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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources: Home

A list of resources from reputable organizations that can provide you with up-to-date information on COVID-19.

Due to the rapidly changing status of the COVID-19 coronavirus, parts of this Research Guide may be out-of-date

For the latest information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control’s coronavirus page. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's coronavirus page and the Boston Public Health Commission's coronavirus page will be kept up-to-date and will include location-specific information you may need to know. The City of Boston press releases regarding COVID-19 are also available. 

The BPL has separate posts on COVID-19 vaccine resources and how to evaluate information in the news and social media about the virus.  

In this Research Guide, you will find resources from reputable organizations that can provide you with up-to-date information.

What is COVID-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, causes respiratory illness in people. The virus was first reported from Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019, and was declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Click on the organizational links below for information on symptoms, testing information, prevention and coping methods, and the most recent updates on state and national statistics and response.

World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides:

It also features myth buster graphics such as the one below to stop the spread of misinformation, that put people and their communities at greater risk.

Is it safe to receive a letter or package from China? Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know coronavriuses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.

Contact Us

This Research Guide has been compiled by librarians at the Boston Public Library and community partners. Links are verified and fact-checked on a regular basis, but may change at any time. We welcome your feedback! Reach out to ask@bpl.org.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal public health institute of the United States. It offers current information about:

Please find resources about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for young children by clicking on this link. The CDC also provides guides for how to get your household ready to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as posters on handwashing for children and teens.

The CDC has frequent updates on new cases in the United States, risk assessments by country, and information for travel and travelers. Helpful sections include posters on how to prevent the spread of the virus within your community and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page answering all of your questions.

John Hopkins University of Medicine: Coronavirus Research Center

John Hopkins experts in global public health, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness have been directly involved in the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more from the Coronavirus Research Center about: