According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guide for Global surveillance for COVID-19 caused by human infection with COVID-19 virus, a suspect case is defined as:

1. A patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND a history of travel to or residence in a location reporting community transmission of COVID-19 disease during the 14 days prior to symptom onset; OR
2. A patient with any acute respiratory illness AND having been in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case (see definition of contact) in the last 14 days prior to symptom onset; OR

1. A patient with severe acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g., cough, shortness of breath; AND requiring hospitalization) AND in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that fully explains the clinical presentation.

A probable case is defined as:

1. A suspect case for whom testing for the COVID-19 virus is inconclusive; OR
2. A suspect case for whom testing could not be performed for any reason.

A confirmed case is defined as:

A person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms.  See laboratory guidance for details.