COVID-19 Update: 3/30/2020

US COVID-19 case count climbs to 140,904

(RxWiki News) The number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at publication time, 140,904 coronavirus cases and 2,405 related deaths had been reported in the US.

Of these, 886 were deemed travel-related and 2,351 were deemed a result of close contact.

The sharp rise in cases from previous days is likely due to increased laboratory testing, the CDC noted. New information continues to become available as we learn more about the virus.

According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the virus that causes COVID-19 can live in the air and on surfaces for a long period of time — in the air for three hours and on surfaces for several days, depending on the type of surface.

This study found that the virus can last up to four hours on copper, 24 hours on cardboard, 48 hours on stainless steel and 72 hours on plastics.

It was thought that hot weather might lower the ability of the virus to spread. According to the CDC, it is not known at this time if weather and temperature will impact the spread of the virus. There is still much to learn about the virus, the agency noted.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include the following:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing

The majority of people who get COVID-19 will be able to get better while at home. However, if you develop any of the following emergency warning signs, get medical attention immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
  • Confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

This is not an all-inclusive list of possible symptoms.

Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions.