Pandemic Vocabulary Lesson
We, as Americans, have learned a whole new language through this Coronavirus Pandemic. Some words we have heard before but haven’t been used that much in our society. New words or phrases have appeared that are weird but have become a norm in conversations.
The word coronavirus will forever be remembered. It is a word we hear every single day due to the mandates and medica coverage. COVID-19 has caused a world wide pandemic of respiratory illnesses and is contagious. Pandemic is a disease that has spread over a whole country or the
Pandemic is a disease that has spread over a whole country or the world. How many times have you heard the word pandemic in your life time? My father-in-law, who is 94 years old, has never heard the word till now. The most fatal pandemic was the Black Death or Plaque which killed 75 – 100 million people in the 14th century. Another pandemic was the 1918 Spanish flu/influenza pandemic.
Of course, an intriguing word has developed through all of this COVID-19 pandemic – the word is Zoom. Zoom meetings are being held all over the world due to people taking social distancing seriously. What is Zoom? It is an internet platform used for audio/visual conferencing. I, for one, have never been on Zoom, but I find it another fascinating attribute of the world-wide internet that has helped so many people work from home, go to classes, attend Bible Studies, and keep in touch with friends and family.
And, of course, there is that new phrase - social distancing. I find myself keeping 6 feet apart from people especially when shopping. Waiting rooms are now set up for social distancing. Stores have signs on their floors directing people how far to stand from the person in front of them. I have been in pictures where I have had to stand 6 feet from the other person/persons in the picture. Restaurants have either curb-side pick up or have you seated at every other table. Some people think the whole idea of social distancing is just bizarre like wearing face masks, but is it? Face masks. I, for one, only remember seeing face masks on doc
Face masks. I, for one, only remember seeing face masks on doctors or nurses. The first time I saw a good friend of mine wearing a mask, I had to laugh. In fact, I laugh a lot at some of the creative face masks that people are wearing. Even major designers are getting into the act of creating beautiful mask masterpieces. Of course, at a cost too. Wearing a face mask is now a Texas mandate and of all times, during the hottest part of the summer. As soon as I get into the car after shopping, I take that mask off. They aren’t always easy to breathe in and some people comment that breathing with those things on cause their glasses to fog up. Anyway, we look at it, it’s the new norm for now.
New Norm or New Normal. A phrase that either some people like and use or some people detest. What is the new norm? It’s doing new things that were not previously done. It is a change in society; 1) How many times during the day do you wash your hands? When the COVID-19 pandemic first started, it was extremely hard to find hand sanitizer or hand soap. Now, it’s everywhere you go. I carry hand sanitizer in my purse now, which I never did before. And I make sure I wash my hands when I return home from shopping, especially filling up the gas tank, touching a guardrail, etc. 2) Always having enough toilet paper. When the Texas lockdown happened this past spring, toilet paper became scarce. People hoarded the stuff like it was never going to be made again. 3) Wiping, bleaching, and wiping some more has become a new way of life. It’s never ending trying to stay ahead of killing those germs even the cars, trucks, RV’s, boats, etc. Sanitize! Essential workers mean health care workers, grocery store em
Essential workers mean health care workers, grocery store employees, transportation/sanitation workers. We say, “Hats off ” to these people who have given hours upon hours of their time to make our lives easier. Bravo to doctors and nurses who have dedicated their lives to helping people get better through this pandemic. Their sacrifices have been phenomenal.
Yes, we have learned many new words and phrases through the Coronavirus Pandemic. It has been adjustment. Some of us take it seriously and others don’t. I, for one, listen to the news each evening and am astounded by the number of people that have contracted the COVID-19 disease. It is just sad. Hopefully, schools will be able to open this fall and children will be able to return to some form of normalcy. Hopefully, the economy will bounce back. But, each night, as I watch the news, I see Americans stepping up to help others that are hungry or need help. I see doctors and nurses working tirelessly trying to save those who have COVID-19. We, as American and Fayette County citizens are strong. We will get through this with prayer, hope and love for one another. Be safe!