Even though this spiky virus may be invisible to the naked eye, it has impacted the lives of many. A year long battle, this ailment, titled Coronavirus or COVID-19, is still in effect. Many have lost their lives to this infectious disease, and we’re here to inform you about what it is.

The earliest cases of the deadly disease were spotted in Wuhan City, China, December 2019 (hence COVID-19). Not long later, after many altercations with the virus, on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus a “global pandemic”. Being listed as “One of the 10 Worst Pandemics in History” (according to MPHonline) this contagion has changed the way many think, feel, and act.

First, coronavirus is a type of virus. A new type of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has caused the pandemic, and is a respiratory illness. Symptoms of the virus include-

• Cough
  Fever and chills
  Shortness of breath
  Body aches
  Sore throat
  New loss of taste and smell
  Headache
  Nausea
  Runny Nose
  Diarrhea

The newly emerged disease can spread from person to person, and can be diagnosed using a lab test. Even so, there is no vaccine yet, but you can prevent the virus by taking safety procedures, social distancing, washing your hands regularly, wearing masks, and quarantining.

Furthermore, there have been many opinions on this virus that is causing some major problems in America.

7th grade ROMS student, Carolina Diaz, who is working virtual, simply states that it is a lot different virtually. She has one sister doing virtual school as well, and only goes on campus for a choir practice every Monday. One thing that Carolina said was different, was the fact that the teacher wasn’t available all the time, and that she’s always away from people.

“Be careful first of all, people are getting sick, and don’t take stuff for granted,” Diaz said.

Despite the numerous issues with this pandemic, when asked  how Coronavirus affected her life personally, she plainly answered it has taught her not to depend much on others. Also, she can spend more time with family.

7th grade ELAR teacher Ms. Mullins has a son who attends school virtually. She says that she prevents the spread of Coronavirus by sanitizing, wearing masks, and avoiding large gatherings. Mullins said that she thinks the pandemic currently isn’t under control, and that people just aren’t taking it seriously enough. With that, Ms. Mullins states that she doesn’t get to see her friends, and her son always stays home.

“Cherish the people that are close to you, and seize the day,” Mullins said.

Computer Science teacher Ms. Eaton, who currently has two children attending Wooden Elementary thinks Covid-19 has taught people to be better problem solvers and made people more resilient.

“Even in tough times we can find the silver lining and find ways to be positive and lift each other up,” Eaton said.

A teacher doing both virtual and face-to-face instruction, she says that she wears masks and has hand sanitizer to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Despite that, Eaton states that coronavirus has drastically changed the way that she teaches.

As her class is hands on, virtual learners simply cannot do that. One thing that has affected her, is the fact she hasn’t been able to see her older family, and the fact that most students try to rebel against the usage of masks. Nonetheless, Eaton thinks that we as a society can recover from the coronavirus outbreak, but it might take time to get back to the normal we once knew.

A blessing to some and a disaster to others, it is important to stay safe, and know what coronavirus is.