Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China, on December 31 2019, an increasing number of infections with this virus have been observed worldwide.¹ While the situation is constantly evolving, there are some easy and basic measures everyone can take to protect themselves and others.

The symptoms caused by COVID-19, commonly known as “coronavirus disease 2019”, are mainly associated with respiratory problems and fever.^2,3 Though the recovery rate is high, and symptoms are often mild, the virus also can cause serious illness.² Elderly people and those with severe preexisting medical conditions seem to be at particular risk.² To ensure the highest possible level of safety for employees and to help protect local and global communities, Dentsply Sirona is monitoring the spread of the virus and implementing safety measures in accordance with the most current advice from local and global public health authorities. Information on the latest company guidelines regarding infection prevention can be found on DS Community. Additionally, there are a few simple actions that individual employees can take to protect themselves and others from infection: ^4,5  

For further information employees can also visit the Website of the World Health Organization (WHO).

^{1, 4, 7 World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation report. [Online] March 12, 2020. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019. 2, 3, 5, 6 Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary, Symptoms, Steps to prevent Illness, HOW COVID SPREADS. [Online] March 12, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.}