In the United States, more than 560 cases have been confirmed, which includes the 46 passengers who were on the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Japan. The US has confirmed 22 coronavirus deaths.
If a person has the virus, they could show no symptoms five or more days after contracting it, Business Insider previously reported. Health officials said people who have mild symptoms like a cough or fever should self-quarantine rather than go to the doctor because the current influx of patients who are in more critical conditions.
From getting home from the doctor's office to protecting your pets and family members, here's what health experts want you to do if you've been infected with COVID-19.
To get home from the hospital or doctor's office where you were tested, take a car, wear a facemask, and cover your coughs.
Jane Barlow-Pool/Getty Images
Since the coronavirus spreads when people are in close contact with one another, as well as through coughs and sneezes, it's vital that you get home from the doctor's office or hospital with as little human contact as possible.
The CDC recommends people who test positive for COVID-19 in their doctor's offices travel home in a car wearing a facemask.
This will protect anyone who's in the same car, whether your partner, child, or Uber driver, from potentially getting ill.
If you live with other people, you'll have to quarantine yourself in a room immediately.
Crystal Cox/Business Insider
If you have even the mildest case of coronavirus, the CDC recommends you self-quarantine. That means finding a room in your home where you will spend most of your time, and remaining there for two weeks.
No one else that you live with should be in the room with you, if possible, but if they need to drop off cleaning supplies or food, you should both wear face masks while in direct contact.
While this is likely unrealistic for most people, if you can also use a separate bathroom from the rest of the people in your home, try to do so.
You should cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue to prevent germ spread, and then dispose of those tissues in a lined trashcan, the CDC website noted.
It's also vital you wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after you blow your nose, sneeze, cough, go to the bathroom, and before and after preparing food.
Once home, take care to keep everything around you clean.
Crystal Cox/Business Insider
The CDC recommended cleaning and disinfecting "high-touch" surfaces in your home every day while you're sick, including counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
It's best that you clean the room you're quarantined in yourself rather than having a caretaker do it for you. That way, they can keep themselves safe.
You'll also want disposable gloves to wear while you clean the surfaces. Dispose of them after each use and also wash your hands to prevent recontamination.
If you have any pets, it's best to get a non-infected person to look after them while you recover.
Thor the bulldog naps before competition at the 144th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, in New York. Thor most recently won the Kennel Club of Philadelphia's National Dog Show in November, 2019. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Associated Press
Even though a quarantine might be lonely, you shouldn't have your dog or cat with you. No petting, kissing, snuggling, or sharing food.
Researchers still don't know exactly how the coronavirus will affects pets. It's unlikely pets will contract or transmit it, but either way, doctors are recommending people stay away from their pets until they know more.
Try to get a friend or relative to care for your pets while you have coronavirus.
If you do have to be around your pet, wear a face mask and wash your hands after contact.
A Norwegian Forest Cat takes part in the second annual 'Meet the Breeds' showcase of cats and dogs at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on October 17, 2010 in New York City.
Michael Loccisano/Getty
"There are lots of diseases that are potentially transmissible between humans and animals — too many to count," veterinarian Lori Teller previously told Business Insider.
The H1N1 flu pandemic of 2009 started with swine before making its way to humans. But health experts say there's no evidence cats or dogs can get coronavirus or spread it to humans — but that doesn't mean you shouldn't wash your hands after contact with a dog.
"It is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets," advises the World Health Organization. "This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans."
You should also stop sharing utensils, linens, and towels with your family for the time being.
No more sharing with anyone. That includes dishes, utensils, bedding, and towels. Don't touch any of your family members.
If you have to be in a room with them, wear a face mask, and encourage them to do the same.
If you're running low on supplies, have a delivery service or a trusted friend leave canned food, toilet paper, and soap on your doorstep.
Shoshy Ciment/Business Insider
Food and essentials can be left on your doorstep. Stock up on necessities like shampoo, soap, and toilet paper, as well as non-perishables like canned goods and pasta.
