When COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019, first came onto the scene, not much was known about its effects or what it meant for humans. So we are here to give you some information on the disease through photos. We are not making light of the situation, but rather using humor to try to calm people down in a tense situation.

COVID-19 is caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. A coronavirus is family of viruses, some of which can infect people and animals, named for crownlike spikes on their surfaces. The viruses can cause the common cold or more severe diseases such as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) and COVID-19, the latter of which first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. So stay away from people if you can help it and don’t gather in groups. Be sure to clean your hands often for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If you can’t wash your hands, then use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

If you want to stay clear of the coronavirus then try to maintain social distancing requirements like staying inside and self-quarantining if you are feeling ill. For groups less susceptible to the virus, it is still advised to stay in if you are able so you don’t get those more vulnerable to the virus infected.

Read more about the local state of disaster for public health emergency in Dallas County and what that means for you. Gatherings of 500 or more people is now banned during this time in Dallas County as well. If you live in Tarrant County, mayor Besty Price also issued a statement which can be read here. Shutting down gatherings, issuing states of emergency and so forth are preventative measures so the virus can be stopped from spreading like it did in China and Italy. Stay safe, use wise judgment, and don’t take risky actions.

And we have one last parting word from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban on doing his part to help those vendors, employees and independent contractors at the American Airlines Center during this outbreak. Once again, Cuban is stepping forward to help those in need. Bravo Cuban, Bravo.

TONIGHT: Dallas Mavericks Owner @mcuban joins @ABCNewsLive at 7 pm ET after the NBA suspends its season due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

“Where we can support those vendors, where I can give them extra work…that's exactly what we're going to do." https://t.co/fCxiEZabgQ pic.twitter.com/lW04KruvHa

— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) March 12, 2020

This article is not medical advice and you should seek the advice of a licensed medical doctor for more information. This is for information purposes only and should not be construed or used as medical advice.