Q: What is our risk in the Bay Area? How much has coronavirus already spread here, and how likely are we to come into contact with it?

You should prepare as if you will come into contact with someone who has the virus, and take appropriate precautions.

The best sources are the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) [which] give up-to-date counts, but there are already a fair number of cases— I think there’s already over 1,700 [total] cases in California. There’s already been many reported deaths from the virus. You should prepare as if you will come into contact with someone who has the virus, and take appropriate precautions.

Q: How is it spreading? What are the best ways for us to prepare in the coming weeks?

Person-to-person contact is how [coronavirus] spreads and why the recommendations are so strong about sheltering in place and social distancing.

The number one thing is to make sure that you’re social distancing. The recommended distance is six feet. Try to stay away from any droplets [when someone] sneezes and coughs. Person-to-person contact is how [coronavirus] spreads and why the recommendations are so strong about sheltering in place and social distancing. The best way to fight this is avoiding getting sick in the first place. Also, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Sing the happy birthday song twice. If you don’t have soap and water, use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol [and] rub your hands until they feel dry. Especially if you’re around someone who is blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing, you want to maintain your distance and also have good hygiene afterward.