This is the timeline of when and how the metro coronavirus patients got sick

ATLANTA — We are learning more about the two patients who have been diagnosed with coronavirus in Fulton County.

During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Fulton County’s interim health director, Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford, said a father went to a conference in Italy and shortly after returning home, became symptomatic with the virus. The virus then spread to his 15-year-old son.

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After learning that several people at the conference had contracted the virus, the father took his son and himself to their primary doctor.

Here is a timeline of how it unfolded:

Feb. 22 – Man flew back from Milan after attending conference

Feb. 25 – Man started becoming symptomatic with chills, fatigue and a cough – no fever

Thursday – 15-year-old son started showing symptoms.

Saturday – they went to see their primary care doctor. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention came to office to test them.

Monday – Test came back positive for the father, son.

Tuesday - Fulton County interim health directors said mother and 12-year-old child in the same household have started showing symptoms. They are expected to be tested for coronavirus soon.

Ford said the man was never screened when he came through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport because he was asymptomatic, or not showing any symptoms, when he arrived.

The incubation period for coronavirus is two to 14 days, according to Ford.

What is it?

Cornaviruses are similar illnesses to the flu. There are several strains, four of which actually cause the common cold, according to Dr. Cherie Drenzek, a state epidemiologist. Coronaviruses have been spreading in humans for years, and you’ve probably had one without knowing it.

COVID-19 is a novel, or new, strain of coronavirus.

How does the virus spread?

WHO said the virus spreads person-to-person, when someone coughs or sneezes. If someone near you is sick and they cough and sneeze in something, then you touch it, you could be infected.

Dr. Carlos Del Rio, a professor of medical and global health at Emory University, said it appears the coronavirus can stay on a surface for several hours.

Should I panic?

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said “Caution is appropriate, preparedness is appropriate, panic is not.” Adams said that of the original 14 positive cases of coronavirus, all are recovering or have recovered.

Best Practices:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

© 2020 Cox Media Group