We’ve never seen a global outbreak like the new coronavirus disease, or COVID-19. It threatens to overwhelm health systems and health workers everywhere unless we all take immediate action. Here are five things to know about what makes this pandemic so dangerous, and what can be done to slow the spread of the virus. Simple measures can help flatten the curve of the epidemic, including social distancing and proper hand washing. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is responding to the coronavirus outbreak around the world while also working to keep our regular medical programs running. We are very concerned about the virus spreading to vulnerable groups such as refugees and other people living in overcrowded conditions, with limited access to health care.