Coronovirus

The current coronovirus spreading across the world is called Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is still spreading despite efforts to contain it. It is a Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus.

The 2002–2004 SARS outbreak was caused by SARS-CoV-1. The new version is SARS-CoV-2 and it can last considerably longer than SARS-CoV-1 ever could.

Information about it
It can survive on cardboard and plastic, commonly used for boxes shipping things to people and shopping bags, along with other surfaces for various amounts of time depending on the material and the temperature and humidity.

On plastic and stainless steel it can survive for two to three days. On cardboard it can survive one day. On copper it can last for up to four hours.

Update: a new mutation has been detected that can last for up to a week on some surfaces.

Animals that can carry it

 * A tiger in a zoo has tested positive for it.
 * It began in bats. No word if humans infected with it can spread it to local bat populations that then spread it around more.

Precautions done across the world

 * Some nations are banning people from various nations from entering
 * Old folks homes are closed to all visitors
 * Schools are shut down
 * Public gatherings are closed
 * Some companies have told workers to work from home
 * Some businesses declared non-essential are being shut down.
 * Some grocery stores have installed plexiglass between the cashier and the customer.
 * Some stores do not allow children inside because they touch everything.
 * People waiting in line to get into a store are made to remain six feet apart.
 * Some stores let old people come in an hour earlier.
 * Some stores spray people's hands before letting them enter.
 * Delivery people are given masks however many don't wear them.

Reasons it keeps spreading

 * Many are leaving the house needlessly do to the fact they refuse to take the threat seriously. Some are claiming the flu kills more people each year than it has so far, but of course they can't ever stop the flu from spreading, so more will surely get it.  Also it kills far more people infected with it than the flu does.
 * Homeless people have nowhere to go and are spreading it about.