What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an airborne novel SARS-coronavirus. 'Novel' refers to not having been observed in an environment. SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which is a viral respiratory disease caused by SARS-coronaviruses. A coronavirus is any of a family of viruses which infect animals (including humans), and whose genomes consist of a single strand of RNA. COVID-19, specifically, is a novel coronavirus that is known to cause a viral respiratory disease (the acute phase) as well as vascular complications (vasculopathy) when the acute phase ends.

How is it different from the cold or influenza virus?

Cold viruses are comprised of the following:

• rhinoviruses (primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract)
• coronaviruses (respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia)
• adenoviruses (affect respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, as well as cause conjunctivitis or eye irritation)
• enteroviruses (mainly affecting the GI tract)

Flu viruses are in the family of Orthomyxoviridae. They are negative sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. Through mutations, they cause the "seasonal flu," (Influenza A) as we know it, in the fall/winter. Influenza B takes longer to mutate, and therefore is of lower concern in terms of community spread.

SARS-Coronaviruses are positive-sense RNA viruses. They are more lethal than coronaviruses recognized as causing the common cold, because they affect the entire respiratory tract. Not only that, but SARS-coronaviruses are a part of the Betacoronaviruses branch of viruses - meaning that there has been transmission both from other mammals to humans, as well as human-to-human transmission. They are also more lethal because they bind more effectively to receptors within the human body, and replicate more quickly.

How is COVID-19 spread?

As a SARS-coronavirus, COVID-19 is spread primarily through airborne transmission (aerosol). Because SARS-coronaviruses are so effective at replicating, people who are infected (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic) shed viral load at a much faster rate. Cold and flu viruses are primarily spread through droplets, direct contact with fluid or an infected person, or an infected surface. COVID-19 spreads in the air like smoke does, and thus can survive in the air (say, a stagnant room) for hours as opposed to minutes.

How do we protect ourselves?

Many epidemiologists, scientists and public health activists recommend a "Swiss Cheese Model" of protection, with levels or "layers" of mitigation processes. These may include:

• Wearing not just a mask, but a respirator mask (this is arguably the most important thing you can do to protect yourself)
• Staying home / isolating when sick
• Testing serially and regularly, not just when there are symptoms
• Cleaning public air, or attending clean-air events (where air is being filtered or people are required to mask, or both
• Getting and staying up to date on vaccinations and boosters

How do we protect others?

Employing the mitigations stated above. Not only that, but being open in communicating things like your personal boundaries ("I prefer that we both wear masks when we visit each other."; "I tested before I came to see you, and it was negative, but I would still prefer if we both masked."), cleaning your air (constructing a Corsi-Rosenthal box or investing in a HEPA air purifier), organizing online for hangouts, movie nights, streams, etc. Advocating for and supporting those who cannot mask by masking around them at all times. You can also protect yourself and others by staying informed on the COVID-19 pandemic in general. Check wastewater levels, or infection reports/forecasts in your area. Plan events outdoors or indoors with COVID mitigations in place. Distribute art and resources online as opposed to in person, when possible.

Many governmental and non-governmental organizations have dissolved protections that were put in place at the height of the pandemic lockdowns, such as mask mandates, test tracking, infections tracking, ICU levels, etc. There are many good resources on the Resources page of our website, where community members are attempting to make up these shortfalls.

Remember, we are stronger as a unit; and we keep ourselves safe. Even if you have been lax on your personal COVID mitigations in recent times, the next best thing you can do is to take it seriously from now on. Stay safe out there, everyone.