What happens when someone is suspected of having the virus?

After a suspect case is identified, they are transferred via ambulances to hospitals, where they are isolated. This reduces their exposure to others.

In responding to cases where patients have fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, wheezing or shortness of breath), and have travelled to China in the past 14 days, ambulance medical crews will don personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, gowns, caps and goggles).

When you see medical crews wearing such protective equipment, it is not a confirmation of a case of the virus, as these are precautionary measures.