The World Health organization officially declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19), a Pandemic. On March 7, 2020, the CDC updated its definition on Congregate settings (crowded public places where close contact with others may occur, such as shopping centers, movie theaters, stadiums) and Social distancing (remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible). The objective of social distancing is to reduce the probability of contact between persons carrying an infection, and others who are not infected, so as to minimize disease transmission, morbidity and ultimately, mortality. According to the CDC, the newly emerged Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that seems to be spreading much like flu.

In light of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and active research by health professionals, many public gardens were affected.  Conforming to federal, state and local mandates on stay at home guidelines, travel bans, social distancing, and congregate settings, had a tremendous impact on whether gardens could open, have events and other activities. 

Recognizing that Covid-19 has affected Botanical Gardens across this nation, the Montgomery Botanical Gardens is doing its part to inform the citizens of Montgomery with a few tips on coping with Coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began with listing three known symptoms: shortness of breath, cough and fever and has  added six additional symptoms of the novel Coronavirus to its list. The symptoms, which the CDC reports could appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, are: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of taste or smell.