Don’t Panic: The comprehensive Ars Technica guide to the coronavirus [Updated 3/24]

More than 409,000 people have been infected with a new coronavirus that has spread widely from its origin in China over the past few months. Over 18,200 have already died. Our comprehensive guide for understanding and navigating this global public health threat is below.

This is a rapidly developing epidemic, and we will update this guide every day at 3pm EDT to keep you as prepared and informed as possible.

March 8: Initial publication of the document.
March 9, 3pm ET: Added three new question-and-answer sections and updated case counts.
March 10, 3pm ET: Added one new question-and-answer section and updated case counts.
March 11, 3pm ET: Added a new section about claimed remedies and updated case counts.
March 12, 3pm ET: Updated the sections on US cases and how SARS-CoV-2 spreads. Updated global case counts.
March 13, 3pm ET: Updated the answers to “Should I avoid large gatherings and travel?” and “How does coronavirus transmission compare with flu?” Also updated global and US case counts.
March 14, 3pm ET: Updated global and US case counts.
March 15, 3pm ET: Updated global and US case counts.
March 16, 3pm ET: Updated global and US case counts. Updated guide on what to keep in your medicine cabinet.
March 17, 3pm ET: Updated global and US case counts.
March 18, 3pm ET: Updated global and US case counts
March 19, 3pm ET: Added new section on risks for pregnant women. Updated global and US case counts
March 20, 3pm ET: Added a new section on the risk to US millennials. Updated the section on risk to children and the section on reinfection. Updated global and US case counts.
March 21, 3pm ET: Updated global and US case counts.
March 22, 3pm ET: Updated global and US case counts.
March 23, 3pm ET: Added section on loss of smell. Updated global and US case counts.
March 24, 3pm ET: Updated global and US case counts.