Issue #1: COVID-19

Explore ISSUE 1 | NOVEMBER 2020

In this issue: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MASKS FOR COVID Do masks really work? How much do they really do to protect you?

Learn more with this article.

THE FEAR OF MISSING OUT: COVID EDITION The pandemic has disconnected all of us; learn the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, specifically FOMO.

The pandemic has upended our lives.

Learn more about its effects and how to avoid getting sick.

FEATURED STORY

PANDEMIC

FOMO Friends, replaced by social media. School, converted into a Zoom screen. Faces, covered by masks. Learn about the pandemic's effects on COVID-19, specifically FOMO.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

3

the effectiveness of masks

pathology of COVID-19

4

5

6

evaluation of COVID-19 response by the U.S.

how much longer?

7

8

9

economic effects of COVID

past vs. present pandemics

online education

1 fear of missing out: COVID

strange dreams: COVID-19

DISCONNECTED

Streaming companies have seen their usage statistics surge on websites, especially Netflix and Youtube.

In trying times of the pandemic, are we more or less lonely with technology?

Despite the negative sides of excessive use, devices can also help people strengthen relationships with family and friends across the globe. Instead of just sending that yearly Christmas text or card, people are now taking the time to video call their families, forming new connections and reinforcing old ones. Usage of apps like FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, and Skype has gone up considerably (Clement 2020).

Written by Divya Basu, Designed by Stephanie Chou, Edited by Amartya R. Ghosh

T

echnology is a window to another world. Since we’ve invented the magical concept of the internet, we’ve been able to perform feats such as seeing friends from the other side of the world, navigating through unknown cities, and watching entertaining videos about cats being cats. Since the pandemic, all of us have resorted to spending more time on our devices. They provide some form of entertainment when we cannot be around our friends. The usage of technology has increased significantly, whether it be social media, or just work. According to PCMag (2020), internet services have seen a drastic increase in usage, from around 47% for broadband consumption to 97% for gigabit subscribers. Video sharing services like Zoom, and Microsoft Teams have also seen this surge (De’, Pandey, & Pal, 2020). Does the use of technology ultimately benefit or harm us in the long run?

This pandemic has definitely taken a toll on our mental health, so has technology added to that stress, or helped us get through these times? With the increased usage of social media, news about rising cases has spread like wildfire. A study was conducted by the Journal of Medical Internet Research to see the mental health effects on the people in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq depending on the spreading panic about the pandemic. Participants stated that social media, specifically Facebook, did have a significant role to play in the increase of their stress and fear regarding COVID-19. Data showed a stark correlation between social media use and the spread of panic. Most participants between the ages of 18-35 years

(Koeze & Popper, 2020)

Smartphone and device addiction has been known to make people feel more lonely, and increase feelings of anxiety and depression.

With the constant news of covid cases, and just general usage of devices spiking, these combined have greatly worsened the mental state of many across the world. The feeling of FOMO has also increased in many, especially teenagers. were dealing with psychological anxiety (Ahmad & Murad, 2020).

The USA is currently number 1 in cases, breaking its own record almost everyday.

Japan on the other hand, - a country that has culturally been more introverted - has had no more than 2000 cases a day. Though size also has a part to play, people in Japan are used to staying in more, staying with their families.

People in the US aren’t as used to these constraints, which is a big part of why we feel the effects of the pandemic more strongly.

The news of increased cases in the USA is bound to bring some stress and anxiety about the future as well - how long till I can go out with my friends? When will I be able to get back to school, work? When can I see my friends?

Seeing people not following COVID guidelines, not wearing masks, and spending time with friends on social media can be greatly disheartening (Renner, 2018).

Students have also gotten a chance to reconnect with friends who moved away. A member from the Tino Explore club mentions one of her own experiences, and how she had a friend who she had lost contact with.

Thanks to a post on instagram, her friend reached out. Since then, they’ve stayed in touch, texting almost everyday! Technology can have many positive and negative aspects to it. Throughout this pandemic, we all have to find new ways to connect - with and without technology. Go outside, enjoy the sun! But most importantly, remember that we are not alone.

WORKS CITED Ahmad, A., & Murad, H. (2020, May 19). The Impact of Social Media on Panic During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iraqi Kurdistan: Online Questionnaire Study. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https:// www.jmir.org/2020/5/e19556/ Clement, J. (2020, June 19). U.S. video call service usage during COVID-19 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1119981/videoconferencing-services-uscoronavirus-pandemic/ Cohen, J. (2020, June 05). Data Usage Has Increased 47 Percent During COVID-19 Quarantine.

Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.pcmag.com/news/data-usage-has-increased-47percent-during-covid-19-quarantine De’, R., Pandey, N., & Pal, A. (2020, June). Impact of digital surge during Covid-19 pandemic: A viewpoint on research and practice. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC7280123/ Koeze, E., & Popper, N. (2020, April 07). The Virus Changed the Way We Internet. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/07/technology/coronavirus-internetuse.html Renner, B. (2018, April 20). Smartphone Addiction Increases Loneliness, Isolation; No Different From Substance Abuse, Experts Say. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.studyfinds.org/ smartphone-addiction-loneliness-isolation-substance-abuse/

DISCONNECTED

Streaming companies have seen their usage statistics surge on websites, especially Netflix . and Youtube.

In trying times of the pandemic, are we more or less lonely with technology?

Despite the negative sides of excessive use, devices can also help people strengthen relationships with family and friends across the globe. Instead of just sending that yearly Christmas text or card, people are now taking the time to video call their families, forming new connections and reinforcing old ones. Usage of apps like FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, and Skype has gone up considerably (Clement 2020).

Written by Divya Basu, Designed by Stephanie Chou, Edited by Amartya R. Ghosh

T

echnology is a window to another world. Since we’ve invented the magical concept of the internet, we’ve been able to perform feats such as seeing friends from the other side of the world, navigating through unknown cities, and watching entertaining videos about cats being cats. Since the pandemic, all of us have resorted to spending more time on our devices. They provide some form of entertainment when we cannot be around our friends. The usage of technology has increased significantly, whether it be social media, or just work. According to PCMag (2020), internet services have seen a drastic increase in usage, from around 47% for broadband consumption to 97% for gigabit subscribers. Video sharing services like Zoom, and Microsoft Teams have also seen this surge (De’, Pandey, & Pal, 2020). Does the use of technology ultimately benefit or harm us in the long run?

This pandemic has definitely taken a toll on our mental health, so has technology added to that stress, or helped us get through these times? With the increased usage of social media, news about rising cases has spread like wildfire. A study was conducted by the Journal of Medical Internet Research to see the mental health effects on the people in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq depending on the spreading panic about the pandemic. Participants stated that social media, specifically Facebook, did have a significant role to play in the increase of their stress and fear regarding COVID-19. Data showed a stark correlation between social media use and the spread of panic. Most participants between the ages of 18-35 years

(Koeze & Popper, 2020)

Smartphone and device addiction has been known to make people feel more lonely, and increase feelings of anxiety and depression.

With the constant news of covid cases, and just general usage of devices spiking, these combined have greatly worsened the mental state of many across the world. The feeling of FOMO has also increased in many, especially teenagers. were dealing with psychological anxiety (Ahmad & Murad, 2020).

The USA is currently number 1 in cases, breaking its own record almost everyday.

Japan on the other hand, - a country that has culturally been more introverted - has had no more than 2000 cases a day. Though size also has a part to play, people in Japan are used to staying in more, staying with their families.

People in the US aren’t as used to these constraints, which is a big part of why we feel the effects of the pandemic more strongly.

The news of increased cases in the USA is bound to bring some stress and anxiety about the future as well - how long till I can go out with my friends? When will I be able to get back to school, work? When can I see my friends?

Seeing people not following COVID guidelines, not wearing masks, and spending time with friends on social media can be greatly disheartening (Renner, 2018).

Students have also gotten a chance to reconnect with friends who moved away. A member from the Tino Explore club mentions one of her own experiences, and how she had a friend who she had lost contact with.

Thanks to a post on instagram, her friend reached out. Since then, they’ve stayed in touch, texting almost everyday! Technology can have many positive and negative aspects to it. Throughout this pandemic, we all have to find new ways to connect - with and without technology. Go outside, enjoy the sun! But most importantly, remember that we are not alone.

WORKS CITED Ahmad, A., & Murad, H. (2020, May 19). The Impact of Social Media on Panic During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iraqi Kurdistan: Online Questionnaire Study. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https:// www.jmir.org/2020/5/e19556/ Clement, J. (2020, June 19). U.S. video call service usage during COVID-19 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1119981/videoconferencing-services-uscoronavirus-pandemic/ Cohen, J. (2020, June 05). Data Usage Has Increased 47 Percent During COVID-19 Quarantine.

Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.pcmag.com/news/data-usage-has-increased-47percent-during-covid-19-quarantine De’, R., Pandey, N., & Pal, A. (2020, June). Impact of digital surge during Covid-19 pandemic: A viewpoint on research and practice. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC7280123/ Koeze, E., & Popper, N. (2020, April 07). The Virus Changed the Way We Internet. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/07/technology/coronavirus-internetuse.html Renner, B. (2018, April 20). Smartphone Addiction Increases Loneliness, Isolation; No Different From Substance Abuse, Experts Say. Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.studyfinds.org/ smartphone-addiction-loneliness-isolation-substance-abuse/

Writer: Navyaa Gupta Designer: Meghana Vinjamury Editor: Riya Jain As COVID-19 proliferated across the planet in the start of 2020, life as we knew it, changed. One of these changes were masks. In every corner of the world, masks became a salient aspect of life. It did not start that way, masks were not advised for everyone, nearly everyone other than medical health professionals were, in fact, discouraged from wearing them. It was not long before our comprehension changed completely and institutions proved that masks were effective and necessary in the universal fight against the deadly virus. However, following the pattern of controversy in history,

Almost a year into life with COVID-19, it is almost unanimously agreed that masks are effective. Whether you are on a walk, or shopping at the grocery store, almost everyone around you is wearing one. Now, masks are just another item to grab before you walk out the door.

The science behind how facial coverings work is surprisingly straight forward. Masks stop the small droplets that come out of your mouth and nose from spreading, especially when you sneeze or cough. These droplets would carry the virus and infect the people or surfaces around you if

towards unprecedented ideas, some condemned masks and

they are not contained by a facial covering. In fact, many argue

deemed them unnecessary or inffective, unable to fully con-

that the mask you wear protects the people around you more

template the severity of COVID - 19.

than yourself. Even though most facial coverings work almost

In early June, a World Health Organization study found that wearing masks caused an 85% reduction in infection risk.

Another Italian study showed that masks encouraged people to socially distance. If masks are so blatantly effective, then where is the controversy rooting? Some governments believe that mask regulations may backfire. In Denmark, authorities discouraged wearing masks for the average healthy person. They said masks “can cause more harm than good” because facial coverings will make people let their guard down, or the masks will increase infection chances if not used properly.

Masks merit significant credit for decreasing the spread of the virus, but they are simply not being advertised the way they deserve. The government, especially here in the U.S., struggled with their stance on masks from the start. The federal and state governments of the U.S. clashed on the ideas of mask mandates and regulations. Even the CDC contributed to the confusion. At first, they told Americans that masks are not effective with the virus with the intentions of preventing

a mask shortage in the medical industry. Later on, when masks were proven crucial, they recanted their statements but the damage had been done.

In other places in the world, mask regulations wavered through different stages of the virus. Some countries, such as Vietnam and the Czech Republic, imposed national mask mandates by mid-March. The regulations eased as the case graphs became to flatten in the respective countries. However, with evidence of a second wave of cases in recent weeks, many countries tightened up their rules once again.

identically, there are several stark differences between the different types of masks.

Professional Respirators: These are called N95 respirators. Professional respirators come in noticeably short supple and are preserved for health care workers Procedural and Surgical Masks: These are not close fitting, but they are fluid resistant and they provide protection against larger droplets. These are typically used by health workers but many citizens started using these during the pandemic.

Cloth and Paper Masks: These may help stop the spread of COVID-19 according to the CDC. The thicker and the more densely woven the cloth is, the higher chances of minimal contamination.

When choosing which mask to use, be sure to be comfortable with your mask. You should be able to wear it over a long period of time if necessary. To use a mask efficiently, it should cover your mouth and your nose. A mask has essentially no purpose if it is not used correctly.

It is essential to understand how to wear masks using credible resources.

Scientists predict that the U.S. may reach almost 300,000 deaths by the end of December. However, if every American wears a mask, 70,000 deaths could be prevented, which is an impressive 23 percent. As you continue to navigate through the perplexing and unpredictable journey of COVID-19, a numerous amount of dilemmas will be thrown your way. Be sure to make the moral decision – one that will potentially save a life.

Works Cited: Bloomberg. Bloomberg.com. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-opinion-coronavirus-global-face-mask-adoption/.Fottrell, Q. (2020, August 10). If every American started wearing a face mask today, this is how many lives could be saved. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/if-you-started-wearing-a-mask-today-this-is-how-many-lives-you-could-help-save-2020-08-07. Just how effective are masks at stopping coronavirus? Here's what new research says. Advisory Board Daily Briefing. https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2020/06/16/mask-covid. Maragakis, L. L. Coronavirus Face Masks & Protection FAQs. Coronavirus Face Masks: Types & When to Use | Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-face-masks-what-you-need-to-know. Markowitz, A. Does Your State Have a Mask Mandate Due to Coronavirus? AARP. https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/states-mask-mandates-coronavirus.html. Still Confused About Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus. Still Confused About Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus | UC San Francisco. (2020, November 4). https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/06/417906/still-confused-about-masks-heres-science-behind-how-facemasks-prevent.

Writer: Navyaa Gupta Designer: Meghana Vinjamury Editor: Riya Jain As COVID-19 proliferated across the planet in the start of 2020, life as we knew it, changed. One of these changes were masks. In every corner of the world, masks became a salient aspect of life. It did not start that way, masks were not advised for everyone, nearly everyone other than medical health professionals were, in fact, discouraged from wearing them. It was not long before our comprehension changed completely and institutions proved that masks were effective and necessary in the universal fight against the deadly virus. However, following the pattern of controversy in history,

Almost a year into life with COVID-19, it is almost unanimously agreed that masks are effective. Whether you are on a walk, or shopping at the grocery store, almost everyone around you is wearing one. Now, masks are just another item to grab before you walk out the door.

The science behind how facial coverings work is surprisingly straight forward. Masks stop the small droplets that come out of your mouth and nose from spreading, especially when you sneeze or cough. These droplets would carry the virus and infect the people or surfaces around you if

towards unprecedented ideas, some condemned masks and

they are not contained by a facial covering. In fact, many argue

deemed them unnecessary or inffective, unable to fully con-

that the mask you wear protects the people around you more

template the severity of COVID - 19.

than yourself. Even though most facial coverings work almost

In early June, a World Health Organization study found that wearing masks caused an 85% reduction in infection risk.

Another Italian study showed that masks encouraged people to socially distance. If masks are so blatantly effective, then where is the controversy rooting? Some governments believe that mask regulations may backfire. In Denmark, authorities discouraged wearing masks for the average healthy person. They said masks “can cause more harm than good” because facial coverings will make people let their guard down, or the masks will increase infection chances if not used properly.

Masks merit significant credit for decreasing the spread of the virus, but they are simply not being advertised the way they deserve. The government, especially here in the U.S., struggled with their stance on masks from the start. The federal and state governments of the U.S. clashed on the ideas of mask mandates and regulations. Even the CDC contributed to the confusion. At first, they told Americans that masks are not effective with the virus with the intentions of preventing

a mask shortage in the medical industry. Later on, when masks were proven crucial, they recanted their statements but the damage had been done.

In other places in the world, mask regulations wavered through different stages of the virus. Some countries, such as Vietnam and the Czech Republic, imposed national mask mandates by mid-March. The regulations eased as the case graphs became to flatten in the respective countries. However, with evidence of a second wave of cases in recent weeks, many countries tightened up their rules once again.

identically, there are several stark differences between the different types of masks.

Professional Respirators: These are called N95 respirators. Professional respirators come in noticeably short supple and are preserved for health care workers Procedural and Surgical Masks: These are not close fitting, but they are fluid resistant and they provide protection against larger droplets. These are typically used by health workers but many citizens started using these during the pandemic.

Cloth and Paper Masks: These may help stop the spread of COVID-19 according to the CDC. The thicker and the more densely woven the cloth is, the higher chances of minimal contamination.

When choosing which mask to use, be sure to be comfortable with your mask. You should be able to wear it over a long period of time if necessary. To use a mask efficiently, it should cover your mouth and your nose. A mask has essentially no purpose if it is not used correctly.

It is essential to understand how to wear masks using credible resources.

Scientists predict that the U.S. may reach almost 300,000 deaths by the end of December. However, if every American wears a mask, 70,000 deaths could be prevented, which is an impressive 23 percent. As you continue to navigate through the perplexing and unpredictable journey of COVID-19, a numerous amount of dilemmas will be thrown your way. Be sure to make the moral decision – one that will potentially save a life.

Works Cited: Bloomberg. Bloomberg.com. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-opinion-coronavirus-global-face-mask-adoption/.Fottrell, Q. (2020, August 10). If every American started wearing a face mask today, this is how many lives could be saved. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/if-you-started-wearing-a-mask-today-this-is-how-many-lives-you-could-help-save-2020-08-07. Just how effective are masks at stopping coronavirus? Here's what new research says. Advisory Board Daily Briefing. https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2020/06/16/mask-covid. Maragakis, L. L. Coronavirus Face Masks & Protection FAQs. Coronavirus Face Masks: Types & When to Use | Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-face-masks-what-you-need-to-know. Markowitz, A. Does Your State Have a Mask Mandate Due to Coronavirus? AARP. https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/states-mask-mandates-coronavirus.html. Still Confused About Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus. Still Confused About Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus | UC San Francisco. (2020, November 4). https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/06/417906/still-confused-about-masks-heres-science-behind-how-facemasks-prevent.

Pathology of COVID 19 Writer: Tiffany H.| Designing: Shan P.| Editing: Maisha G.

COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus disease in 2019, is a result of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). When the virus comes into contact with a human cell, a spike glycoprotein, a type of protein found on the outer surface of viral cells, binds

In addition to the adverse effects of the virus

to an ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2)

on the lungs, other organs in the body are

receptor on the surface of the cell. At this

observed to be damaged as well.

binding site, cleavage, or breaking, of the spike protein allows the virus to fuse with the cell, transferring the virus’s RNA into the host cell. The RNA is then translated and replicated within the cell to produce more viruses. The rapid replication and reproduction of these viral cells accounts for the rapid and debilitating effects of the infection.

Symptoms

Therapies Patients are currently administered glucocorticoid therapy to lower the excessive immune response in addition to oxygen therapy, artificial ventilation, and other kinds of therapy to treat the immediate life-threatening effects of the viral infection. In addition to antiviral therapies, some scientists are looking towards pharmacological chaperones to treat the side effects of COVID-19. Pharmacological

COVID-19 is most commonly recognized for its

chaperones promote protein folding, giving them

respiratory symptoms including persistent

the ability to alleviate stress, cellular dysfunction,

cough and breathing difficulties. These

inflammation, and apoptosis. In addition to the

respiratory symptoms are caused by the

mediating of various cellular functions,

inflammation of the lungs at alveoli, tiny air

pharmacological chaperone therapy may “buy

sacs in the lungs that allow for rapid gas

more time” for patients receiving antiviral therapy.

exchange. This is due to the expression of the

Convalescent plasma therapy is another therapy

ACE2 receptor on cells in the lungs,

that scientists have been studying.

gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, blood vessels, brain, and other vital organs.

While it has not yet been proven to aid in the treatment of COVID-19, convalescent plasma therapy has been used in the treatment of other illnesses for over 100 years. In convalescent plasma therapy, the plasma from a recovered patient is given to an infected patient using transfusion. The transfer of antibodies from a recovered patient to a patient currently fighting the infection could potentially alleviate symptoms of COVID-19. levels of liver enzymes in many patients, which may lead to severe liver injury. Other side effects, including nausea, allergic reactions, change in blood pressure and heart rate, and low blood oxygen levels, suggest that further research is required for safe and effective use of the drug as a treatment.

Work Cited

Treatments A popular target drug for the treatment of COVID-19 is Remdesivir, a nucleotide analogue prodrug that inhibits viral RNA polymerases. Remdesivir, sold under the brand name Velury, has been observed to shorten the recovery time in adults hospitalized with COVID-19. On October 22, 2020, the FDA approved Veklury for use in adults and pediatric patients (at least 12 years of age and weighing at least 40 kg) requiring hospitalization for the treatment of COVID-19. While treatment using Remdesivir has been observed to lower the occurrence of respiratory tract infections, the drug has shown to increase

V’Kovski, P. (2020, October 28). Coronavirus biology and replication: implications for SARS-CoV-2. Nature Reviews Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-020-00468-6 What Coronavirus Does to the Lungs. (2020, April 13).

John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditi ons-and-diseases/coronavirus/what-coronavirusdoes-to-the-lungs Tabary, M., Khanmohammadi, S., Araghi, F., Dadkhahfar, S., & Tavangar, S. M. (2020).

Pathologic features of COVID-19: A concise review.

Pathology - Research and Practice, 216(9), 153097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prp.2020.153097 Aoe, T. (2020). Pathological Aspects of COVID-19 as a Conformational Disease and the Use of Pharmacological Chaperones as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.01095 Harvard Health Publishing. (2020, October 23).

Treatments for COVID-19. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-co nditions/treatments-for-covid-19 FDA Approves First Treatment for COVID-19. (2020, October 22). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

NOVEMBER 2020

NOV. 2020

COMPARE&CONTRAST AN EVALUATION OF COVID-19 RESPONSE BY ILLINOIS, NORTH CAROLINA, AND PENNSYLVANIA

How do the states measure?

Writer: Ashwin Biju Pillai, Editor: Hyunjun Kim, Designer: Nalin Chopra Amid the rising cases of COVID-19, all states in the United States are reacting to the pandemic differently. Though the

Population: 12,671,821 Total Cases: 400,171 Total Deaths: 9,945 Total Recovered: 277,183 Total Tests: 7,542,098 Total Cases/1M: 31,580 *

pandemic's obscurity, as well as the continual increase in COVID-19 cases, does not seem to cease, states are actively adapting to the novel environment by creating specific policies.

The three chosen states—Illinois, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with each at a population of around 10 million people—are set up for comparison to evaluate which set of guidelines carry the most efficiency.

Illinois ranks the highest state out of the three for total COVID-19 cases, intimating the state for stricter rules to cease the spread. The government stresses the importance of health policies and advocates for different approaches in handling the pandemic.

Ever since the mass influx of COVID-19 cases sparked in

Population: 10,488,084 Toal Cases: 271,830 Total Deaths: 4,332 Total Recovered: 231,611 Total Tests: 3,994,670 Total Cases/1M: 25,918 **

March, Illinois informed the citizens with their first mask mandate, dispatched on May 1st, along with their first 'shelterin-place' on May 30th. During this period, everyone wears masks in public areas and observes social distancing; this type of health directive reduces the risk of transmission from anyone who may be asymptomatic but is carrying the disease.

Likewise, stricter mandates are introduced to different counties in Illinois—areas that have reported an approximate of 8% for three consecutive days. This strict policy anticipates immediate closure in bars and restaurants and conformity to all general health policies.

Population: 12,801,989 Total Cases: 210,185 Total Deaths: 8,858 Total Recovered: 156, 214 Total Tests: 2,716, 797 Total Cases/1M: 16,418 * *As of 10/03/20 **As of 11/06/20

With the lowest population out of the three states, North Carolina shows the second-highest COVID-19 cases.

Like many countries across the nation, the government has adopted many rules and regulations surrounding masks and other critical aspects to combat the pandemic. The people of North Carolina have embraced the 3 W's motto: Wear, Wait, and Wash, which helps stress the importance of masks, social distancing, and hygiene. The state has also taken huge strides with the implementation of Executive Order 147, which states that people must wear masks that cover their noses and mouths in public. Besides, North Carolina has created numerous testing sites that provide its people with a chance to be tested at no cost, which can help decrease the growth of COVID-19 cases.

At the moment, North Carolina halts its efforts in reopening, with the New York Times classifying North Carolina as a state in the "pausing" phase of reopening. In May 2020, many aspects of the state reopened to a point where they reached "Phase 3," which is characterized by the ability to reopen movie theaters with limited capacity and outdoor spaces for dining. However, the efforts to fully reopen remain in this phase due to the slight surge in COVID-19 cases. The governor has made it clear that the state will continue to stay in this stage of its reopening.

When analyzing the state's total COVID-19 cases, cases per million inhabitants, and population, it can be seen that the general trend of more population to more cases is not completely followed. With the lowest community, one would assume that it has the least number of COVID-19 cases. Still, it is in the middle between the two other states in terms of both overall cases and cases per one million inhabitants. The hurried approach to reopen has ultimately resulted in North Carolina's sudden stop at Phase 3 of reopening as well as the increase in COVID-19 cases. For North Carolina, the next steps should be to continue observing the rules put forth by the governor and gradually reach the reopened phase.

Pennsylvania, the most populated state out of the three, located on the East Coast, has shown a significant response in tackling the pandemic. Many of their response's key features include a "COVID-19 Alert PA App," allowing residents to be updated with ongoing restrictions and guidelines. Pennsylvania has also mandated the usage of masks in all public areas and has also provided information on masks' truths and falses to avoid the spread of misinformation. All businesses that shall reopen need to be certified for health officials' safety measures, although individual companies are exempt from self-certification. Occupancy rates of the buildings have also been restricted. Guidelines, usually derived from those provided by the CDC, have been placed on just businesses and schools and other educational facilities, childcare facilities, prisons, etc. It has also advised reporting any violations. Local officials and law enforcement, PA State Police, PA Department of Health, PA Department of Agriculture, PA Department of Labor and Industry, and PA Liquor Control Board have the authority to enforce necessary laws to the furthest extent. The proper guidelines have allowed Pennsylvania to successfully and cautiously reopen, with now all of its counties described by health officials as in a safe "green phase."

Pennsylvania has also made efforts to provide Unemployment Compensation or Workers' Compensation benefits to its residents unable to work with up to $527 per week. Additionally, it has also provided mental health and food services for those negatively affected by the pandemic. This has allowed Pennsylvania to keep its population healthy from all aspects. Pennsylvania has also increased the amount of testing it does and qualified people from all income brackets to get one without worry. The effectiveness of this is visible in the statistics, as the state witnessed the lowest number of cases per one million inhabitants at 16,418 in contrast with the other two.

WORKS CITED Brad Weisenstein Ben Szalinski Writer / Good Government by Brad Weisenstein, Weisenstein, B., Szalinski Writer, B., & Weisenstein, B. (2020, October 26). Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.illinoispolicy.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-in-illinois/NBC Chicago. (2020, November 02).

COVID-19 Information Hub. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.nc.gov/covid19 Guide: Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. (2020, October 09). Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ Illinois Coronavirus Updates: Region 6 Mitigations Begin as New Rules Issued Across State. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinoiscoronavirus-updates-region-6-mitigations-begin-as-new-rules-issued-across-state/2362662/ The New York Times. (2020, April 25). See How All 50 States Are Reopening (and Closing Again). Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/states-reopen-map-coronavirus.html

HOW MUCH LONGER? We can't take this anymore. writer: Joan Thyagarajan editor: Cecilia Huang designer: Gina Kim Over the past ten months, the COVID-19 pandemic has shocked the world to its core, and each day the number of cases climb higher and higher as people begin to wonder how long it will take before life will go back to normal. Several scientists have made predictions about the longevity of this pandemic and have come to a consensus that it will not be ending anytime soon—but even then—there are numerous aspects of the duration of this epidemic that scientists disagree upon.

Going into further depth on the vaccine, there are multiple steps to get a vaccine FDA-approved which include “An Investigational New Drug application, Prelicensure vaccine clinical trials, A Biologics License Application (BLA), Inspection of the manufacturing facility, Presentation of findings to FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, [and] Usability testing of product labeling”, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the nation’s top disease specialists, mentions in an interview that he and the government “are now working with the companies… to start making doses before we even know whether it works or not.” This is an attempt to recover time before the cases spike once more—by the time a vaccine has gone through all trials and regulation, it is already set for mass distribution.

According to Dr. Fauci, this mass distribution could occur as early as January of next year since there have been drugs entering the third stage of testing as of this summer.

HOW MUCH LONGER?

Scientists have been able to agree that either herd immunities or effective vaccines will end this epidemic. Herd immunity would mean that the majority of the population gets infected, but recovers so the virus can no longer make an impact on the community. However, this could lead to a sharp spike in the number of deaths. The second option is an effective vaccine that could be massively distributed.

A vaccine would give recipients immunity to COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time. Unfortunately, mass distribution is a weakness for the US government which can be seen in the initial delay for widespread COVID-19 test kits.

However, leaving scientific explanations for the end of an epidemic aside, a pandemic can also ‘end’ when the fear of this disease has diminished, regardless of whether or not a cure has been created.

Harvard historian Allan Brandt, in an interview by the New York Times, states that, “As we have seen in the debate about opening the economy, many questions about the so-called end are determined not by medical and public health data but by sociopolitical processes.”

When the government chooses to open up the economy and reestablish a normal lifestyle without all of the hindrances of the pandemic, the public will regard that moment as the end of the pandemic, irrespective of whether or not there is herd immunity or a cure. Looking at the pandemic from this perspective, the supposed end could be anywhere from a couple of months to over a year away, and this decision by the government will be severely impacted by this year’s presidential election.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the nation’s top disease specialists, mentions in an interview that he and the government “are now working with the companies… to start making doses before we even know whether it works or not.” This is an attempt to recover time before the cases spike once more—by the time a vaccine has gone through all trials and regulation, it is already set for mass distribution.

According to Dr. Fauci, this mass distribution could occur as early as January of next year since there have been drugs entering the third stage of testing as of this summer.

Works Cited: Kolata, Gina. “How Pandemics End.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 10 May 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/05/10/health/coronaviru s-plague-pandemic-history.html? searchResultPosition=5. News in Health. “Dr. Anthony Fauci on COVID-19 Vaccines.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Sept. 2020, newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/08/dr-anthony-faucicovid-19-vaccines.“Vaccine Testing and Approval Process.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 May 2014, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/test-approve.html.

HOW MUCH LONGER?

The future of the epidemic is uncertain to say the least, but in the words of Dr. Fauci; “We will get through this for absolutely certain. We’ve already suffered through a lot of pain—a lot of economic and personal pain and inconvenience. But it will end. It will end because the public health efforts will succeed ultimately. And science will get us through this.”

We will get through this for absolutely certain. We’ve already suffered through a lot of pain—a lot of economic and personal pain and inconvenience.

Strange Dreams: WRITTEN BY: SRIJA POTLURI DESIGNED BY: KEYA ZAMBARE EDITED BY: RISHIK BUNETI

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ave you ever dreamed about being chased, attacked, or kidnapped?

87%

report oddly vivid and specific dreams

the virus is an invisible threat

Works Cited:

past pandemics vs present pandemics Back in 1918, while the world was in the middle of World War 1, a new virus started spreading across the world. It infected 500 million people, killed 50 million worldwide, and 675,000 in the US alone. It had a high mortality rate in both younger and older age groups, and anyone who caught it had little chance of recovering. This virus caused the most severe pandemic in recent history: The Spanish Flu. The Spanish Flu was caused by an H1N1 virus, with genes of avian origin. There is no consensus on where this virus originated, but it was first identified in US military personnel. From there, it spreaded across the world within 6 months, mainly due to the global troop movement and overcrowding in military camps.

It lowered the average life expectancy in the US by about 12 years. The problem was compounded by an extreme shortage of nurses due to World War 1. No vaccines or antibiotics existed that could help cure or even slow the influenza infections. Efforts were limited to non-pharmaceutical methods like quarantine, good personal hygiene, limited public gatherings, etc. New York City’s Board of Health added the flu to the list of reportable diseases. Many cities, including Chicago, closed theaters and movie houses, and prohibited public gatherings. San Francisco's Board of Health issued strong recommendations for the public to wear masks. The Committee of the American Public Health Association gave out guidelines for protection against the virus. Public health officials even began education programs. All of these efforts made by the government and health officials were not enough to prevent the virus from circulating, as it continued to do for the next 38 years.

Writer: Suhani Khanna Designer: Archana Krishnan Editor: Serena Chang

Now some of this information may sound very familiar, even to those who did not previously know about the 1918 Flu Pandemic. That is because this pandemic has a lot of parallels to the pandemic we are currently living through. COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, back in December of 2019, and continues to spread throughout the world today. This disease is often fatal to old age groups, infants, and immunosuppressed individuals.; however, most healthy individuals from these groups tend to recover fully. This factor of the virus is quite different from the influenza virus, since the flu targeted most healthy younger age groups along with older age groups and most people did not recover. Already, we can see that we have an advantage when it comes to dealing with the coronavirus. Another major similarity is in the handling of the virus. We currently have no vaccines or medication that can help treat coronavirus, even though labs across the country, and the world are racing for a cure. Because of this, governments have been forced to handle the coronavirus similar to the way the flu pandemic was handled. Efforts have mainly included preventive measures like quarantine, social distancing, wearing masks, prohibiting public gatherings, etc. And although global troop movement has not played a large role in the spreading of the coronavirus, international travel has. In fact, travel is suspected to be the reason behind the worldwide spread of the virus from Wuhan, especially due to the virus’ two week incubation period. This also explains why shutting down airports and cancelling flights were some of the very first actions taken in response to the virus. Due to the inadequate government response, even after these preventive measures, coronavirus cases and deaths continue to rise.

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While we did not know much about the coronavirus when it began, our knowledge of it has increased substantially and continues to do so. In the 1918 pandemic, most of the knowledge about the virus came long after the pandemic was over. However, in our case, we know a little more about the virus. We know that the most probable cause of spread is airborne transmission, and we know how to test for the virus and act accordingly. We still don’t know how effective these mitigation efforts are, and if there are other methods of spread, but even based on our current knowledge, government action has been insufficient. For one, there was no nationwide effort, since the federal government left this responsibility to state governments. Not only did this cause a disproportionate response, but it also caused increased surges in states that shut down late, or tried to open up too early. Additionally, the people are at fault too. Many individuals ignore the guidelines set by the CDC for wearing masks, quarantining, and social distancing, and depend on a flawed understanding of concepts like ‘herd immunity’. This ignorance increases the spread of COVID-19 and causes surges of cases and deaths. This deadly combination of an inadequate response by the central government and a lack of cooperation by many people has led to around 9 million cases and more than 200,000 deaths in the US alone. Worldwide, there are around 50 million cases and more than 1 million deaths.

So what can we do to protect ourselves in this pandemic, and what can we expect from the government? Well, the first thing to do is follow all preventive measures. Things like wearing masks, washing your hands, and social distancing can save your life, or someone else’s. While we don’t have a cure yet, there are people working around the globe to better understand and cure this virus. All we can do till then is help contribute to the efforts by listening to the guidelines set out by the CDC. As for the government, what we need at this stage of the pandemic is a unified national response, and clarity on how the pandemic is being handled. All of this will help us eventually move forward from this pandemic, and for now, adjust to this new reality while keeping our loved ones and ourselves safe.

a

s t c In 1999, a study published in a journal described an effort to sequence the virus’ HA gene. The HA gene of an influenza virus reveals the properties of its HA surface proteins which allow it to infect a healthy respiratory tract cell.

The sequencing revealed that although the authors of the study believed that the virus originated from an avian virus, it may have been adapting in mammalian hosts for some time before emerging as a pandemic.

However, the authors did not find any genetic changes that would explain the severity of the pandemic. After this study, many others were published about the virus’ other genes. A reconstruction of the virus revealed that it was able to replicate quickly, and did not cause systemic infection. The unique combination of genes made the virus incredibly deadly.

NOVEMBER 2020 | ISSUE NO. 1

Written by Shreyas G. | Designed by Jenna L. | Edited by Rishi K.

NOVEMBER 2020 | ISSUE NO. 1

Pros

Cons

THERE GOES NORMALITY The pandemic has changed our world: from empty roads, contact tracing apps, and masks are all the new reality.

THANK YOU FOR READING ISSUE 1 ON COVID-19

LET'S HOPE IT

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