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Need to know ~ Topics & Events
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The Coronavirus Pandemic
Girl wearing protective mask, Russia, March 2020
Photo: https://www.vperemen.com / CC BY-SA 4.0
Why current?
2020-09-21
Since the winter of 2020, the coronavirus has been spreading across the world. It has brought with it many complex problems. Businesses have closed down, and many people have lost their jobs, leading to a rise in poverty. Essential workers have been risking their lives every day, caring for patients sick with COVID-19 and doing other jobs that are vital to the running of our society. These essential workers often cannot choose to socially distance, and they expose themselves to the disease each time they go to work.
The United States has lost more people to COVID-19 than any other country. As of this writing, just over 200,000 people in the U.S. have perished from the virus. Many more African Americans have died from COVID-19 than white Americans. Other groups heavily affected have been Latinos and Native Americans. Overall, the elderly and those with underlying medical issues, like diabetes or heart conditions, are at greater risk of dying from COVID-19. Young, healthy individuals are at less risk and may display no symptoms at all, even if they are carrying the virus. A person who is not displaying symptoms can still spread the virus to others. This is why all of us – regardless of if we are in a more or less vulnerable group – must socially distance and wear face masks, to keep ourselves and others around us safe.
More about the coronavirus pandemic
the coronavirus –
“Coronavirus” is actually the term used for a family of viruses, seven of which can affect humans. The coronavirus that is currently wreaking havoc around the world first came on the scene in China, in December 2019. It was new when it appeared, and that is why you might hear people talking about “the novel coronavirus.” The disease that it causes is called COVID-19 (Co = corona; vi = virus; d = disease; 19 refers to the year 2019). You might have heard this coronavirus referred to as the “Chinese virus.” This is NOT an accepted term. Naming a disease after a place or group of people is offensive and often racist.
pandemic –
A pandemic is the out-of-control spread of a disease worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) started calling COVID-19 a pandemic on March 12, 2020. Usually, pandemics begin as epidemics. An epidemic is the outbreak of a disease in a certain region. COVID-19 was an epidemic in China before going global within just a few short weeks.
personal protective equipment (PPE) –
PPE is equipment used to protect a person from infection. Respirators, gloves, gowns, and masks are all forms of PPE used heavily right now in combination with hand-washing and sanitizing to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. At the beginning of the pandemic, PPE was in short supply, but now, it is more readily available. It’s recommended or required to wear a mask when you are close to other people. Masks not only protect the wearer from exposure to the virus but also protect others from getting the virus from the wearer.
quarantine vs. isolation –
Quarantine is when a person who may have been exposed to a communicable disease but does not yet have any symptoms, is separated from people who have not been exposed to the disease. The aim is to slow the spread of the disease. Self-quarantine means a person voluntarily puts him- or herself under quarantine. Isolation is when a person who is infected with a communicable disease is separated from those who are not infected. Self-isolation means that the isolation is voluntary.
social distancing –
Avoiding close contact with other people has been one of the most effective methods of slowing the spread of the coronavirus. To socially distance (sometimes referred to as “physically distancing”) means to avoid large gatherings, to stay away from places like restaurants, stores, gyms, public transportation, etc. where people are likely to have contact with others, and to stay 2 meters (6 feet) apart from other people.
a surprising controversy –
Some people believe that being told to wear masks is an infringement on their freedom. They argue that because they live in a free society, they should have a choice about whether or not to wear a mask. Other people believe that governments should enforce the wearing of masks in public places and strictly limit the sizes of gatherings. They say that it is people’s responsibility as free citizens to protect their own and other’s health and that government leaders should make sure everyone is doing their part in stopping the spread of the disease.
Many scientists and medical experts are in the second group.