Coronavirus: What is it and how can I protect myself? What is COVID-19 and how can I protect myself? Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D. A new virus called the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that began in China in 2019. The disease is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Public health groups, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO , are monitoring the pandemic and posting updates on their websites. These groups have also issued recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus. How does the coronavirus spread? Data has shown that the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly spreads from person to person among those in close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters). The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone infected with t...