Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds This course is terribly important because we are confronted with an unprecedented outbreak, a new virus, lots of uncertainties, an uncertain future. And it’s going to be very important that as many people as possible understand what is going on, what are the possibilities, and what we can do about it. We must make sure that every country is ready to diagnose as soon as possible when someone is infected and then take all the measures. It means also sharing information, transparency, and doing some research, research that will inform the response. Because this has to be a science-based response, as every response. And we don’t have all the information. The less uncertainty we have, the better we are equipped to deal with this epidemic.
What is COVID-19 and how might the outbreak affect you? Find out more about coronavirus and explore its worldwide implications.

- Duration3 weeks
- Weekly study4 hours
- Digital upgradeFree
COVID-19: Tackling the Novel Coronavirus
Understand the emergence of COVID-19 and how we respond to it going forward
The world is paying close attention to the outbreak of novel coronavirus, following its emergence in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
With the outbreak of a novel coronavirus declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, people worldwide are working to address it.
On this course, you’ll learn the latest of what we know about COVID-19, presented by international experts.
The purpose of this course
This course is provided for personal use only and not for any commercial, professional medical or business purpose. All content and opinions presented throughout this course are for educational purposes only and do not constitute the provision of professional medical or public health advice.
You should not rely on the content of this course or other learners in place of professional advice from a regulated medical professional.
If you have any concerns about a particular health condition or COVID-19, please seek the most current medical and/or public health advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
LSHTM shall not be liable, to the maximum extent permitted by UK law, for any adverse or negative consequence arising from your reliance on the information contained in this course, or for any commercial use by a business or medical practitioner, including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption, or loss of business opportunity.
Please note that this course was produced in May 2020, and as such, some materials may contain out of date information due to the rapidly changing situation.
What topics will you cover?
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How COVID-19 emerged and was identified
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How COVID-19 spreads
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Public health measures for COVID-19 worldwide
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What is needed to address COVID-19 going forward
Who is the course for?
Those working in or around health, or anyone interested in how we should respond to the outbreak.
The course is presented in English, with translations provided in Chinese, Spanish (ES), Portuguese (BR), French, Italian, Arabic and Swahili.
Who will you learn with?
Associate Professor and Deputy Director for Research for the UK-Public Health Rapid Support Team, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Clinician, Researcher and Coordinator for the UK Public Health Rapid Support team based at The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Judith Glynn is professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. She teaches epidemiology and outbreak investigation
Senior epidemiologist and Deputy Director of Operations on the UK-Public Health Rapid Support Team.
UK Public Health Rapid Support Team
The UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST) is delivered by Public Health England and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, funded by UK Aid from the Department of Health and Social Care. University of Oxford and King’s College London are academic partners. The UK-PHRST is the primary arm of the UK Government to provide and coordinate the UK’s public health response to outbreaks in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
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What's included?
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
Get a taste of this course
Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:
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