In December of 2019 the first case of Coronavirus was reported to have been found in Wuhan, Hubei Province, ever since then the virus has been spreading across the nation shaking up everyday life.

The coronavirus are a large family of viruses that are common in many species of animals. 

The official name for the coronavirus is COVID-19.

The symptoms are cold-like according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

It can sometimes progress to more complicated lower respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Globally the virus has killed more than 3,800 people according to The New York Times. 

In the U.S there are a total of 99 cases according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.  

The virus has hit over 25 countries, including the US and Mexico. 

There have been confirmed cases in  California, Arizona, Washington State, and Texas. 

In California there is a total of 175 cases, Arizona total of nine cases, Washington State 366, and Texas total of 23 cases as of March 12.

The two cases in Texas where both confirmed on March 5 in Houston according to the texastribune.com. 

Across the borderland in Cuidad Juarez two people were suspected to have the coronavirus, however it hasn’t been confirmed if these suspected cases are positive.

So far in total there are 4 confirmed cases in Mexico according to ktsm.com. 

With the spread of coronavirus moving rapidly many schools in the El Paso are are preparing for any circumstance. 

Bishop Mark Seitz released a statement on Wednesday, March 4 discussing this situation.

In a statement Bishop Mark Seitz said

 “ We will be reminding parish communities, and our Catholic School Communities to take measures that are always advisable: asking people and students not to come to services or school if they are sick, making hand sanitizer readily available, reminding priests and Eucharistic Ministers to frequently wash their hands.”

All measures will be taken to prevent anything from happening.

The spread of this virus has also caused fear and hysteria around the world. 

Vicious discussions and derogatory jokes about Chinese people or Asians have been posted all over the internet according to the LA Times. 

These attacks are based on unfounded stereotypes, Chinese people are once again associated with disease, filth and dirty food. 

This virus has caused a wide spread reaction of emotions. 

People across the country have purchases many bottles of hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, and canned goods to prepare for whats coming. 

Due to this hand sanitizers are at a shortage.

Stores such as Walmart and Target have sold out and on Amazon they are overpriced. 

Sales in the US have gone up 73% according to time.com.

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends this simple steps: 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Avoid touching your wyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray for wipe.

Please continue to wash your hands and to keep your environment and yourself safe.