Learn the Science so You Can Change the Behavior

 SARS-CoV-2 is the virus. 

COVID-19 is the disease.

SARS-CoV-2 = Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2

COVID-19 = CO(rona)VI(rus)D(isease)

We use the same naming format for HIV and AIDS.

HIV is the virus. AIDS is its disease.

The concentration of viral particles within a person, place, or space. Within a person, the higher the viral load, the more likely the virus will induce illness. Practicing social hygiene protocols when in public reduces the viral load of the air you breathe and therefore your chances of developing COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk varies by setting and situation. This virus travels through direct and indirect human contact. Breathing shared air and touching your face after touching common surfaces increases your risk for transmission.  

   The probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection or contracting COVID-19. Unprotected close contact with an infected person, symptomatic or not, will increase one's risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.  A high risk setting can be turned into a low risk setting with precautionary measures. 

A contagious person will exhale active SARS-CoV-2 viral particles into a cloud that remains in the air, can travel 12 feet, and can fall to the ground or surfaces under it.

Viral particles a person exhales can remain suspended in the air. 

A vapor is a gas. Vapors stay where aerosols fall out of the air. SARS-CoV-2 aerosols are suspended in the vapor we breathe. 

Cleaning removes germs and dirt from surfaces physically by using soap (or detergent) and water. Removing germs from high touch places lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. Disinfecting works by using chemicals and does not necessarily clean surfaces or remove germs.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces to a safe level by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces.

Simple soap and water,  scrubbing, and a wipe down will do it. 

 All things that impact health
Access to safety, food & housing

Access to education & employment Access to clean water and air

Access to independence

Access to agency 

 Equality is the opportunity to participate. 

Equity ensures access.