Applies to these roles: Author, Reporter, Admin
Cut through the confusion surrounding the new coronavirus with this course that aims to dispel misinformation about COVID-19.
April 13, 2022
Replaced table with brand name info in the "Prevention" lesson with generic, evergreen language about boosters.
February 7, 2022
Updated to include FDA's full approval of Moderna vaccine
January 14, 2022
Updated information about quarantines/isolation and approval of antiviral pills.
December 13, 2021
Updated information about COVID-19 vaccine boosters to align with the latest medical guidance, added information about the Omicron variant, and added a note about antiviral treatments in the EUA process.
October 19, 2021
Given the rapid change of COVID-19 information, we’ve retired the original “What You Need to Know” course and launched a new course: “COVID-19: The Fight Continues.” This course contains up-to-date information about the state of the pandemic in 2021.
July 14, 2020
This update includes refinements throughout the course to reflect the latest information on COVID-19 mortality rates, virus transmission, symptoms, prevention strategies, and updated guidance for travelers, parents, and businesses.
What Is COVID-19?
Updated COVID-19 mortality rate (most countries have a mortality rate of 5% or lower, with the United States currently at 4.3%.)
How It’s Spread
Emphasized person-to-person spread as the primary mode of transmission
Noted that some studies indicate the virus may spread between people within 18 feet of each other if there's a breeze
Updated statistics regarding how contagious the virus is (R0)
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Expanded the lists of potential symptoms and complications
Updated details about testing and diagnosis
Noted that treatment options are under investigation
Prevention
Added “avoid close contact” to the steps for prevention
Restructured and updated the content about wearing a cloth face covering to incorporate it in the main steps for prevention
Exposure Assessment and Response
Information condensed and restructured for clarity
Known-risk content updated to reflect the dangers of close contact with symptomatic and asymptomatic persons
Added details on the known-risk exposure-period duration
New details highlighting how exposure risk applies even if both parties are wearing cloth face coverings or personal protective equipment
What to Do If You’re Sick
Updated statistics based on newly available CDC numbers (rather than relying on the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s numbers)
Added pregnant people to the list of high-risk groups
Updated COVID-19 Mortality Rate by Age chart—new percentages are based on the combined averages of South Korea, Spain, China, and Italy
Added details on how officials test for COVID-19
Flattening the Curve During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Added information about how the “curve” is steepening again as some areas lift restrictions and reopen businesses
Removed information about what individuals can do to “flatten the curve” since the tips were a repeat of recommendations presented elsewhere in the course
Information for Travelers
Updated the information about international travel to reflect the CDC’s latest guidance (level 3 travel notice)
Updated guidance about traveling within the United States to reflect that many destinations are under “shelter in place” orders
Updated guidance about air travel to reflect that there is an increased risk when flying as opposed to the initial guidance from the CDC that air travel presents a low risk
Updated the list of countries from which foreign nationals cannot depart when traveling to the United States
Information for Parents
Added new preventive measures for parents to protect their children
Added a new section on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
Information for Businesses
Updated language to reflect guidance for keeping customers and employees safe during the reopening of businesses—rather than the preparation of businesses for the pandemic
Added content about high-risk professions that fall outside of OSHA’s “high risk” and “very high risk” categories
Added new tips for maintaining a safe work environment
Updated guidance about what to do if an employee becomes sick at home
March 25, 2020
This update includes refinements throughout the course to reflect the latest information on COVID-19 case numbers, virus transmission, symptoms, prevention strategies, and updated guidance for travelers and businesses.
What Is COVID-19?
Corrected instances where the virus, SARS-CoV-2, was referred to as the illness, COVID-19
Indicated that COVID-19 cases are now present in every state across the United States
How It’s Spread
Added that the WHO says it’s safe to receive letters and packages from China
Updated which countries are experiencing sustained community spread
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Added information about reduced sense of smell and taste as a new, potential COVID-19 symptom
Exposure Assessment and Response
Updated the criteria in the high-, medium-, and low- or no-identifiable risk categories
What to Do If You’re Sick
Updated statistics and other information about the high-risk groups
Information for Travelers
Updated the introduction to reflect that most travel has been halted, with the exception of emergency situations
Updated the “Should I Travel Within the United States?” Q&A
Updated the “Will I Be Quarantined After International Travel?” Q&A
Information for Businesses
Added more guidance about getting the workplace ready for a COVID-19 outbreak
Added guidance about how to maintain a safe work environment during COVID-19
March 13, 2020
This was the first version of the COVID-19 course, exploring the latest information from a variety of trusted public sources.