 What is a coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that range from the common cold to MERS coronavirus, which is Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus and SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus.  Where do coronaviruses come from? Coronaviruses are circulating in animals and some of these corona viruses have the capability of transmitting between animals and humans. We call that a spillover event.  How can I help protect myself from a coronavirus? The coronaviruses typically cause respiratory symptoms. So we recommend a basic hand hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap and water, and respiratory hygiene, such as when you sneeze, sneezing into your elbow. Ways to protect yourself against a potential animal source would be to avoid unnecessary, unprotected contact with live animals and to make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after contact with an animal, and also to make sure that your meat is cooked thoroughly before consuming.  Is there a treatment? There are no specific treatments for coronaviruses, but symptoms can be treated.