How Does Covid-19 Spread?

Unfortunately, it took millions of cases, and hundreds of thousands of deaths, for scientists to figure out how deadly COVID-19 really is. What started in late December of 2019 is still a huge problem in 2021. Businesses are shutting down, parks are closing, and traveling is restricted. But why?

To know the answers to those questions, we must first analyze how the virus spreads.

As you read this article, keep in mind that COVID is a relatively new issue in our world. New research is being introduced every day, and old research is being disproved, so it is best to read updates regularly on websites like the WHO and the CDC.

Now, without further adieu, let’s analyze the virus.

Coronavirus was first introduced on December 31st, 2019 when the first case was recorded. Since then, it has infected people all over the world and killed several. However, some have survived and recovered as well.

The first guess of most scientists was a person-to-person transmission. A vague idea that maybe the first infected person accidentally touched another and like a fatal game of dominoes the whole world experienced a pandemic. As the year progressed we found that it wasn’t only touching that transmitted the virus, it was also aerosols, and surfaces. The virus can spread through the air released by an infected person by sneezing, coughing, or even breathing. Therefore, a quarantine seemed like the best option, and some countries took immediate action, while others struggled to enforce proper rules.

Next was big gatherings, COVID happened right around the beginning of 2020, where a lot of people were flying out to see family or hosting big New Years parties, and there’s a good chance that’s where the spread began. Soon large groups of people were getting sick together, which endangered the community around them. Most countries around the world prohibited large gatherings following these events. The problem? Sudden rules like these shock the citizens and often cause rebellion. Like we see, even today, some people resist wearing masks, and limiting gatherings. The most commonly used phrase is, “My body, my choice” My argument? Well, what you choose to do with your body is absolutely your choice, BUT if you catch the virus you’re not only endangering your life, but also every single person you come in contact with.

In closing, COVID is dangerous, as anyone who's seen the news recently would know. It’s not a joke, and it’s definitely not a hoax. It’s real, and it’s taken the lives of 1.84 MILLION people worldwide. No, it’s not easy staying home all day staring at a screen not being able to see your friends, but believe me (and the scientists, and the doctors, and the government), that contracting the virus is probably worse.

So stay safe, stay inside, and WEAR A MASK.