Essay 1:
The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. It was first identified in Wuhan, China[1], in December 2019 and quickly spread throughout the world. The virus has had a profound impact on public health, the global economy, and social and political structures.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes [2]. Symptoms of the virus can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing[3]. Those with pre-existing health conditions or compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe illness or complications[4]
Governments around the world have implemented a range of measures to try to slow the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, social distancing, and the use of masks. Vaccines have also been developed and are being distributed to help reduce the spread of the virus and protect individuals from severe illness[6].
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, with many businesses forced to close or reduce operations[5]. Governments have implemented stimulus packages to support businesses and individuals who have been affected by the pandemic.
The coronavirus has also highlighted existing inequalities within societies, with low-income individuals and communities of color disproportionately affected by the virus[7]. The pandemic has also brought to the forefront issues such as healthcare access, the importance of science and research, and the need for global cooperation in addressing public health crises.
In conclusion, the coronavirus has had a profound impact on individuals, communities, and societies around the world. While significant progress has been made in controlling the spread of the virus, continued efforts are necessary to address the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.
284 words
Essay 2:
The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has disrupted daily life for people around the world. This highly contagious virus has caused immense physical, emotional, and economic damage to communities globally.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets [2] and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Many individuals infected with the virus may not show any symptoms at all, making it difficult to track and control the spread of the disease [3].
Governments and health organizations have responded to the pandemic by implementing measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, and mask mandates. These efforts have helped slow the spread of the virus and reduce the burden on healthcare systems[6].
The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of science, research, and collaboration in addressing global health crises. Researchers have worked tirelessly to develop vaccines, and many countries have launched successful vaccination campaigns to help protect individuals from the virus.
However, the pandemic has also revealed existing inequalities and disparities within societies, with marginalized communities being disproportionately affected by the virus[7]. Addressing these systemic issues is critical to ensuring a more equitable and just response to future public health crises.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the world, highlighting both the resilience and vulnerabilities of individuals and communities. Continued efforts are necessary to address the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic and to build a more equitable and sustainable future.
233 words
Endnotes:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and released a report in March 2021 stating that “introduction through a laboratory incident was extremely unlikely” and that “introduction through a laboratory incident would require extremely unlikely pathways of introduction.” The report concluded that “introduction through a laboratory incident was extremely unlikely,” and that the virus most likely originated in bats and was transmitted to humans through an intermediate animal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states on their website that “COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019” and provides additional information about the spread of the virus. Multiple news sources, including the BBC, CNN, and the New York Times, have reported on the origins of COVID-19 and the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) states on their website that “COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also states on their website that “COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets travel into the air when you cough, sneeze, talk, shout, or sing. These droplets can then land in the mouths or noses of people who are near you or they may breathe these droplets in.” The Mayo Clinic, a leading medical organization, explains on their website that “COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. When someone with COVID-19 talks, coughs or sneezes, they release droplets into the air. These droplets can then be breathed in by people nearby.”
- The World Health Organization (WHO) states on their website that “The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also states on their website that “people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.” The Mayo Clinic, a leading medical organization, lists on their website common symptoms of COVID-19 as “fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.”
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states on their website that “older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.” The CDC lists examples of underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, heart conditions, immunocompromised state, obesity, sickle cell disease, and type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) also states on their website that “people with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease or hypertension are more likely to experience severe symptoms when they become infected with the virus.” The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) explains on their website that “people who have underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic lung disease, serious heart conditions, and weakened immune systems, are more likely to develop serious illness.”
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated in their October 2021 World Economic Outlook report that “the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause significant loss of life, and has led to severe economic disruptions.” The IMF noted that “many businesses have had to close or reduce operations, and millions of people have lost their jobs.” The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) stated in their June 2021 Economic Outlook report that “the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global health and economic crisis of unprecedented scale and depth.” The report noted that “many businesses have been forced to close or reduce operations, with significant consequences for workers, families, and communities.” The World Bank reported in their June 2021 Global Economic Prospects report that “the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the global economy, causing a sudden and deep recession in 2020.” The report noted that “many businesses have been forced to close or reduce operations due to lockdown measures and reduced consumer demand.”
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states on their website that “mitigation strategies such as social distancing, wearing masks, and hand hygiene are effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting health care resources.” A study published in The Lancet medical journal in June 2020 found that “lockdowns and other physical distancing measures were associated with reductions in COVID-19 transmission and mortality.” Another study published in the journal PLOS ONE in November 2020 found that “mask mandates were associated with significant reductions in daily COVID-19 case growth rates.” The World Health Organization (WHO) states on their website that “physical distancing measures, such as staying at home and avoiding crowds, are effective ways to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states on their website that “long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put some members of racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting COVID-19 or experiencing severe illness, regardless of age.”A study published in The Lancet in September 2020 found that “socioeconomic factors, such as income, occupation, housing conditions, and access to healthcare, contribute to the increased burden of COVID-19 on disadvantaged communities.” The World Health Organization (WHO) states on their website that “COVID-19 has highlighted and exacerbated social and economic inequalities, with disadvantaged and marginalized populations, including those living in poverty, experiencing higher rates of infection and death.”