About COVID-19
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus never seen before in the human body. It can spread very easily from person to person through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. In fact, this is the most common way COVID-19 spreads; when people are close to each other (within six feet), respiratory droplets can land in the mouths or noses of others nearby and transmit the virus that causes the disease.
Research has shown that as many as 40-50% of people with the virus have no symptoms, which means that it can be spread by those who don’t know they’re infected. We must protect ourselves and all Minnesotans by wearing a mask, staying six feet away from others, covering our coughs and sneezes, washing our hands, and staying home whenever possible.
Protect yourself
We must protect ourselves and all Minnesotans by wearing a mask, staying within six feet away from others, covering our coughs and sneezes, washing our hands, staying home whenever possible, and getting tested.
When it's your turn - choose to get vaccinated. Vaccines will end our pandemic.
Symptoms of COVID-19
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
The virus affects people in different ways – anyone can experience mild to severe illness. Symptoms develop between 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Not everyone experiences every symptom, and some people have no symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important to get tested if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or if you develop any symptoms of the illness.
You must stay home (quarantine) if you have been exposed. If you test positive, with or without symptoms, then you will need to stay home and completely away from other members of your household (isolate).
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