Chicago – April 28, 2020
By Ranya Sharma
“Coronavirus” is an umbrella term, referring to a group of viruses that affect birds and mammals. Out of hundreds of coronaviruses, only seven are known to affect humans. Out of these seven, four have symptoms similar to those of a cold. The other three are more severe and have higher risks.
The type of coronavirus which originated in Wuhan, China has been named SARS-CoV-2. Scientists have suspected that the outbreak originated through transmission from bats to humans in unsanitary markets. However, the story is shaky as greater research is being performed.
The virus primarily spreads through human contact. It is found in water droplets that form from breathing, and these droplets spread when we talk, cough, sneeze and breathe. The virus can enter one’s body as soon as they come in contact with one of these droplets.
The best protection one can have is to not touch their face and to wash their hands. Maintaining a distance of 6 feet from other people is also crucial. Not only does it reduce your chances to contract the virus, but it also reduces the chances of you spreading it. Many have the virus and are infectious, yet do not experience any symptoms.
During this time, communities are coming together. Through local food drives, to the shipment of resources to households, people are helping each other, although they may not be meeting face to face. Skulls and Drills is creating homemade cloth face masks. We are donating them to local hospitals and senior citizens in our community. As tensions are high and it seems like the whole world is holding their breath, waiting for updates, it is important to be more compassionate and kinder now than ever. Through kindness in the form of donations to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund or in the form of alleviating the conditions of those in poverty, any small act will make a difference.
Sources Used:
Healthline, No date, “Coronavirus Types and Which Type is Wreaking Havoc Worldwide, https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-types
David Levine, 4-1-2020, “These Are the Ways Coronavirus Spreads,” US News & World Report, https://health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/how-does-coronavirus- spread