What is Coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus causing the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify this outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing emergency signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or bluish lips or face should immediately seek medical attention.

For the latest updates and more information go to:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce

What You Should Know

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC urges citizens to monitor your health and practice social distancing. Social distancing means staying out of crowded places, avoiding group gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.

• Workplace, School, and Home Guidance
• People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
• How COVID-19 Spreads
• Symptoms
• Steps to Prevent Illness
• Testing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What to Do If You Are Sick with COVID-19
• Stigma Related to COVID-19
• What You Need to Know
• Facts about COVID-19
• Information for People at Higher Risk and Special Populations
• Communication Resources

Coronavirus Articles

ALTA is producing a COVID-19 Update email that compiles the most important articles of the day. You can sign up to receive these updates.

Recent 2021 2020

The world’s major manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines said Friday that they are working to quickly investigate and adapt their shots to a new and highly mutated strain of the virus. The World Health Organization said the new strain, named omicron, is a “variant of concern” that may pose a higher risk of reinfection than past mutations of the virus.

The coronavirus pandemic brought unprecedented hardship to renters, at one point leaving as many as 40 million people at risk of losing their homes. However, some new policies likely will outlive the pandemic and aim to address deep-rooted problems for renters.

Pfizer and BioNTech said that longer-term analysis found the companies' vaccine was 100% effective against COVID-19 infections in individuals 12 to 15 years old. In the U.S., the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is currently available for individuals 12 through 15 years of age after the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization in May.

On Monday, the U.S. will lift COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions that have barred many international visitors since early last year, measures that have driven down revenue at hotels, retailers, restaurants and airlines. The reopening of the border to many international visitors comes with a new set of rules, such as vaccination requirements.

To address the renters’ crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has allocated more than $45 billion in aid. More than six months after the money was authorized, most of it is still available.