Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause infections ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).
The virus attacks the respiratory system, causing pneumonia-like lung lesions.
Some of the virus types cause less serious disease, while others - like the one that caused Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) - are far more severe.
In 2003 an outbreak of a similar virus, Sars, killed more than 900 around the world within weeks
Coronavirus is an airborne virus, spread in a similar way to colds and the flu.
It is incredibly contagious and is spread through contact with anything the virus is on as well as infected breath, coughs or sneezes.
This means that anyone who is infected can pass it on to any surface or person they breathe on or touch.
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What can I do to protect myself from coronavirus?
The best advice is to practise good hygiene and hand-washing techniques, including:
Washing hands thoroughly (at least 20 seconds) with soap and water, or a hand sanitiser
Coughing and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue (rather than onto your hands), and then putting the used tissue straight into the rubbish and washing your hands
Avoiding close contact with anyone who has fever and a cough
Staying at home or in your University residence room if you have flu-like symptoms