Not since the flu pandemic of 1918 has humanity faced a health risk on such a scale as what COVID-19 presents today. But the novel coronavirus is entirely unique in a very literal sense: it is a strain of virus that has never before existed among us. Its symptoms - fever, shortness of breath, and a dry cough - are also somewhat unique in their targeted impact on our respiratory system, and they do not appear until at least 2 days after the virus is in the system. It's not necessarily all doom and gloom - many of us, if we become infected, will not experience especially awful symptoms. Some may experience no symptoms at all. But for the highest-risk groups - the elderly and the immunocompromised - this illness may become fatal. What's more, the potential overload on hospital and healthcare systems resulting from COVID-19 complications could result in unprecedented tragedy. We have a responsibility to one another to prevent the spread and ensure our health systems stay stocked and ready to treat those at-risk groups.

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To that end, etrainu has developed this brief primer on what COVID-19 is and how you can help prevent its spread through simple activities such as proper hand-washing technique, social distancing, and other hygienic practices. The course reinforces these behaviours through brief, engaging activities that help put these essential practices into context. It's all free and available to you today with a minimum of fuss. Sign up as soon as you can - because we can't afford to wait.