For medical emergency, dial 1-1-2.

COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.

Symptoms of COVID-19

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.

The most common symptoms of coronavirus are:

- a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry

- shortness of breath

- breathing difficulties

- fever

How coronavirus is spread

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets.

You could get the virus if you:

- come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing or sneezing.

- touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on.

Therefore:

- Wash your hands properly and often.

- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze.

- Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

- Stay at home if you feel unwell.

- Avoid close contact with people who are not well.

- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

- Do not share objects that touch your mouth – for example, bottles, cups.

- If you have been to one of the infected countries and you are not feeling well, check if you have cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, fever. If you do have symptoms of coronavirus, visit the local emergency department without delay.

Please take care of your health and try to protect others.

Get up-to-date information at local, national, and international levels:

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Ministry of Health: https://www.saglik.gov.tr/

Ministry of Health FAQ (Turkish): https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/tr/bulasici-hastaliklar/2019-n-cov/liste/2019-ncov-sik-sorulan-sorular.html

Istanbul Municipality: https://twitter.com/municipalityist