What Do All These Things Mean?

Isolation separates those with who are sick with a contagious disease from those who are not to avoid transmission.

Quarantine separates and restricts movement of people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease, but do not show symptoms. 

Epidemic is a rapid increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a specific population.

Pandemic refers to a global epidemic or one that has spread over several countries or continents, affecting many people.

Outbreak carries the same definition as epidemic, but it is used for a more limited geographic area.

Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding local public transportation (e.g., bus, trains, ride share), and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others.

Congregate settings are public places where close contact with others may occur, such as shopping centers, theaters, stadiums, workplaces and schools.

Incubation period refers to the time from exposure to an infection to the onset of symptoms. Different diseases have different incubation periods.