Coronavirus: Fact v. Myth - Saline County Library

It’s important for libraries to provide pertinent and factual information for the public. With the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, becoming more widespread, we want to separate fact from myth so that the community doesn’t worry more than they should.

About Coronavirus (COVID-19)*

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading between people.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

fever
cough
shortness of breath
severe complications may include pneumonia in both lungs

How can I help protect myself?
There are simple everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

Stay home when you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

*All information and recommendations above were provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). As more information is learned about the virus, this information may change. For the latest information and recommendations from the CDC, visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19.

Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre el coronavirus en español.

Myth: Everyone with COVID-19 dies

Of the 539 confirmed cases in the United States, only 22 deaths have occurred as a result of COVID-19. Most fatalities worldwide have been in older adults, especially those with underlying health problems. Outcomes could also be influenced by access to healthcare.

Myth: Parcels from China can spread coronavirus

The CDC explains that “because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.” So, no, your Amazon orders from China will not give you the Coronavirus.

Myth: I should avoid coming in contact with those of Asian descent in case they have the virus

Any individual, no matter their ethnicity, can be susceptible to COVID-19. You should not be fearful of coming in contact with or being in the vicinity of someone who is of Asian descent.

Myth: Wearing a mask will protect me from the virus

Unless you have been told by your doctor that you should wear a mask because of chronic medical condition, masks are not necessary. The CDC recommends that only people having symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose should wear a mask. This will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As always, the health and safety of our staff and patrons is of the utmost importance. As more information develops, we will continue to update this page and notify everyone of any disruption to programs or services as a result of this virus. At the moment, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Laman Library in North Little Rock has also gathered a list of resources to help you and your family understand COVID-19: