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10 ways life has changed since

coronavirus struck
The situation continues to unfold, with rapid changes to day-to-day life.
By

Ella Torres

15 March 2020, 17:11

12 min read
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.  In
humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the
common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes
coronavirus disease COVID-19.

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This
new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December
2019.
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10 ways life has changed since coronavirus struck The WHO has now declared the virus, aka
COVID-19, a pandemic.

Two months ago, reports surfaced out of China that a cluster of pneumonia
cases in the central city of Wuhan may be due to a new type of coronavirus.
The World Health Organization said at the time it was still assessing the
extent of the outbreak, but noted that there were no reports of novel
coronavirus outside Wuhan.

Since then, the situation has drastically changed.

Many of the world's biggest sporting, entertainment and political events have
all been suspended -- even some politicians have self-quarantined -- as more
than 2,000 cases were confirmed in the U.S.

The WHO has now declared the virus, aka COVID-19, a pandemic.

Life has been upended. Here's how:

Editor's Picks

Coronavirus map: Tracking the spread in the US and around the world

Coronavirus symptoms: Answers to your COVID-19 questions

What to do if you think you have coronavirus symptoms

1. Greetings

Elbow bumps have become the new normal as the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention warns the public not to shake hands.

Politicians, including Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy
Pelosi, have been seen tapping elbows to greet officials. Athletes have also
used elbow bumps to greet opposing players on the field, though numerous
sports organizations have since announced they're suspending their seasons.

And while elbow bumps aren't the only style of greeting to adopt -- bowing is
another popular option -- health officials are steadfast on their
recommendation: "Stop handshaking."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell bump elbows as they attend
a lunch with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 12, 2020.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell bump elbows as
they attend a lunch with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Capitol Hill in Washington,
March 12, 2020.Susan Walsh/AP
2. Politics
Politicians across the spectrum have been forced to respond as the novel
coronavirus has pushed the 2020 presidential election into unchartered
territory.

President Donald Trump has halted campaign events temporarily, with plans
to shift all current events online, Republican National Committee officials told
ABC News.

The leading Democratic presidential hopefuls also have changed their

campaign plans. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., will no longer hold large events or
door-to-door canvases and will move to digital formats instead, according to
his communications director, Mike Casca.

Former Vice President Joe Biden also will move to suspend large crowd events
and move to virtual ones, according to his campaign.

The pandemic also has raised concerns about testing for the virus and who's
eligible. Trump announced Friday he was declaring a national emergency "to
unleash the full power of the federal government" and quickly get $50 billion
to states, territories and localities "in our shared fight against this disease."
President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden at
the White House, March 13, 2020, in Washington.
President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference about the coronavirus in the Rose
Garden at the White House, March 13, 2020, in Washington.Alex Brandon/AP
3. Hygiene

The "Happy Birthday" song is no longer reserved for your special day.

As the CDC urges everyone to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, many
have duly noted that you can sing the celebratory song twice to fill the time.
Americans also have been stocking up on hygiene products. Hand sanitizer
sales spiked 73%, according to data from Nielsen covering a four-week period
that ended Feb. 22, while sales of thermometers rose 47% and aerosol
disinfectant purchases climbed 32%.

4. Public gatherings

The list of events canceled or suspended has grown exponentially in recent

days.

From festivals to museums to sports seasons, organizers and executives are

doing what they can to limit public gatherings. To see a full list of
postponements and cancellations, click here.

In some cities, gatherings of a certain size have been either prohibited or

urged against. In California, where a cluster of novel coronavirus cases were
reported, Gov. Gavin Newsom said non-essential gatherings must be limited
to no more than 250 people, while smaller events can proceed only if the
organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person.

"Changing our actions for a short period of time will save the life of one or
more people you know," Newsom said in a statement.
Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver talks on his phone in an empty Hammond Stadium, March 12,
2020, in Fort Myers, Fla.
Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver talks on his phone in an empty Hammond Stadium,
March 12, 2020, in Fort Myers, Fla.Elise Amendola/AP
5. Economy/markets
The U.S. stock market has taken a major hit, with the Dow Jones Industrial
Average seeing its biggest single-day decline -- almost 10% -- since one of
more than 22% in 1987's Black Monday crash.

Though the markets saw a reprieve on Friday, a financial analyst told ABC
News the public should expect to see continued volatility until the situation is
under control.

"What's driving the sharp decline we've seen the market over the last three
weeks is a health risk with a lot of unknowns," said Greg McBride, chief
financial analyst at Bankrate. "Until we've got answers and we can model out
what that means for the economy and corporate earnings, stocks are gonna be
volatile."
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on March 12, 2020, in New York.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on March 12, 2020, in New
York.Jeenah Moon/Getty Images
6. Travel
Since Feb. 2, a Level 4 advisory, aka a Do Not Travel advisory, has been put in
place for China. It's the strongest of the U.S. State Department's four travel
warnings.

Other travel restrictions have followed.

Trump announced last week a ban on some travel from Europe to the United
States for the next 30 days. The area Trump restricted is known as the
Schengen zone and is made up of 26 countries including Italy, Spain, France
and Germany. The ban was then extended to the U.K. and Ireland.

The State Department also issued a global health advisory, urging Americans
to "Reconsider Travel" aboard.

"Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks
and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and
border restrictions," the alert read. "Even countries, jurisdictions or areas
where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice."
A traveler walks though a nearly-empty international terminal at O'Hare Airport on March 12, 2020, in
Chicago.
A traveler walks though a nearly-empty international terminal at O'Hare Airport on March 12,
2020, in Chicago.Scott Olson/Getty Images
7. Stockpiling and price gouging

People have headed to grocery stores in droves, preparing to stock up and bear
down.

Photos of empty aisles and lines out the door have circulated online, as a
recent report showed that sales of several products on Amazon, namely
sanitizers and medical face masks, rose at least 50% higher than their 90-day
average after the World Health Organization declared an emergency.

Even products sold directly by Amazon, not third-party vendors, saw prices at
least 50% since February, according to a report from the U.S. Public Interest
Group.

"When people need something to stay healthy and prevent the spread of a
potentially deadly virus, merchants should follow the Golden Rule, not the
money,” Adam Garber, the group's education fund consumer watchdog, said
in a statement.
People wait in line to enter a Costco Wholesale store before it opens in the morning on March 12, 2020,
in Glendale, Calif.
People wait in line to enter a Costco Wholesale store before it opens in the morning on March
12, 2020, in Glendale, Calif.Mario Tama/Getty Images
8. Closed schools and offices

Numerous school districts and universities have postponed classes. Others

have moved classes online. Students studying abroad were also asked to come
home.
Major cities, including Boston, Miami, Chicago, Houston, San Diego and San
Francisco, have closed schools for extended periods, with at least 21 million
students impacted nationwide as of Friday night, according to Education Week.

For the working world, many companies have implemented telework policies.

This photo provided by Natasja Billiau, shows her two children, Victor, 8, and Anna Laura, 5, studying at
the kitchen table in their Seattle area home Thursday, March 12, 2020, after their school... more
This photo provided by Natasja Billiau, shows her two children, Victor, 8, and Anna Laura, 5,
studying at the kitchen table in their Seattle area home Thursday, March 12, 2020, after their
school was shut down for weeks due to the coronavirus.Natasja Billiau via AP
9. Clothing/masks
As novel coronavirus continues to spread, so has anxiety.

Sales for medical face masks in the U.S. jumped 319% in the four-week period
that ended on Feb. 22, according to Nielsen data.

But the CDC not only doesn't recommend that healthy people should wear
masks, doctors have advised against it -- when putting on and taking off a
mask, you're exposing your hands to your face.

Additionally, medical professionals need the masks to do their jobs, so

shortages affect them significantly.
Commuters wearing masks enter the subway system in New York, March 12, 2020.
Commuters wearing masks enter the subway system in New York, March 12, 2020. Lucas
Jackson/Reuters

10. Fears and anxieties

With day-to-day life shifting rapidly, anxieties around the disease and the
future have been heightened, according to Dr. Anne Maria Albano, a professor
of medical psychology at Columbia University.

Albano said the public can either utilize that anxiety in a productive way or let
it spiral.
"What people are experiencing is what anxiety in us is wired to do: Say, 'Hey,
wake up and prepare for how to take care of yourself,'" she said. "Now the
thing is, if the anxiety gets too high that then it becomes problematic, and this
is what we want people to recognize. Anxiety, when it gets out of control, you
are exaggerating what the risk to you and the people around you is."

She urged Americans to stay up to date with the CDC's preventative measures
and best practices, as well reputable news outlets.

"I go on the subway in the morning. I wash my hands before I go on and I

wash my hands when I go off," she said. "We have to learn how to balance
what you're doing" to make sure you are informed but also limiting
information that spreads on social media or inflammatory sites.

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10 ways life has changed since coronavirus struck

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 There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

 The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
 The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
o Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
o Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or
talks.
o These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be
inhaled into the lungs.
o Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are
not showing symptoms.

More details: How COVID-19 Spreads

Everyone Should

Clean your hands often

 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have
been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
 If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%
alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact

 Avoid close contact with people who are sick

 Stay home as much as possible.pdf iconexternal icon
 Put distance between yourself and other people.


o Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.


o Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of
getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

 You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
 Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the
grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
o Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who
has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove
the mask without assistance.
 The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
 Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
  Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a
substitute for social distancing.

More details: Cloth Face Covers

Cover coughs and sneezes

 If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to
always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of
your elbow.
 Throw used tissues in the trash.
 Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water
are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%
alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

 Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light
switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
 If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate
for the surface.
Options include:

 Diluting your household bleach.

To make a bleach solution, mix:
o 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
o 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to

ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with
ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against
coronaviruses when properly diluted.

 Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
 Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are
expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration,
application method and contact time, etc.).

Complete Disinfection Guidance

Related: More handwashing tips

Researchers have detected COVID-19 viral RNA and live virus in specimens other than
nose-throat swabs and sputum samples, raising the possibility that the disease may
spread through additional routes.

In a research letter published yesterday in JAMA, Chinese scientists describe testing

lung wash (bronchoalveolar lavage), lung biopsy, nasal, sputum, and blood samples for
live virus in 1,070 specimens from 205 infected patients in three hospitals in China from
Jan 1 to Feb 17.

In related news, a research letter today in Emerging Infectious Diseases, highlights a

cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to a shopping mall in Wenzhou, China. The study's
authors said that an analysis of their findings can't rule out indirect transmission of the
pandemic novel coronavirus, such as via inanimate objects or aerosolization.  

Testing various sites could lower false-negatives

Using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),
investigators detected COVID-19 RNA in lung wash (14 of 15 samples; 93%), sputum (72
of 104; 72%), nasal swabs (5 of 8; 63%), lung biopsy (6 of 13; 46%), throat swabs (126 of
398; 32%), feces (44 of 153; 29%), and blood (3 of 307; 1%). The 72 urine specimens all
tested negative.
Twenty patients had two to six specimens collected at the same time. Viral RNA was
detected in single specimens from six patients (respiratory specimens, feces, or blood).
Seven patients shed live virus in respiratory specimens, 5 in feces (2 of whom did not
have diarrhea), and 2 in blood.

"Testing of specimens from multiple sites may improve the sensitivity and reduce false-
negative test results," the authors wrote, citing two smaller studies that reported
COVID-19 in anal and oral swabs and in blood in 16 patients and viral load throughout
disease progression in throat swabs and sputum from 17 infected patients.

The highest viral loads in the JAMA study were found in sputum, the authors note, with
moderate loads in nose-throat swabs, the most common way to confirm infection. Four
fecal samples had high viral loads.

Multiple routes may speed transmission

The findings imply that the coronavirus may be transmitted through feces and invade
the circulatory system, the researchers said. "A small percentage of blood samples had
positive PCR test results, suggesting that infection sometimes may be systemic," they
wrote. "Transmission of the virus by respiratory and extrarespiratory routes may help
explain the rapid spread of disease."

The patients' mean age was 44 years old (range, 5 to 67), and 68% were male. In the
study, throat swabs were collected from most patients 1 to 3 days after hospital
admission. Blood, sputum, feces, urine, and nasal samples were collected throughout
the illness. Lung wash and biopsy specimens were taken from patients with severe
illness or who were on mechanical ventilation.

The authors cautioned that the number of some types of samples in the study was small
and that data couldn't be correlated with disease symptoms or course because clinical
information in some patients was limited. "Further investigation of patients with
detailed temporal and symptom data and consecutively collected specimens from
different sites is warranted," they wrote.

Indirect spread likely in mall cluster

In the 34-person COVID-19 mall cluster, researchers from Wenzhou, elsewhere in
China, and in the United States say that the virus appears to have been transmitted
indirectly, through the touching of contaminated surfaces, viral aerosolization in a
confined space, or through contact with infected people who had no symptoms.

The investigators monitored and traced close contacts and analyzed clinical and lab data
using RT-PCR. They also drew the eight-floor shopping mall showing the floors where
the COVID-19 patients worked or shopped, dates of onset, potential incubation periods,
symptom durations, and times of positive diagnosis and hospital release.

Except for those who had visited floor 7, no patients reported close contact with the
other patients. "The possibility of customers being infected from other sources cannot
be excluded. However, most customers reported early symptom onset in a concentrated
time frame," the authors wrote. "Our findings appear to indicate that low intensity
transmission occurred without prolonged close contact in this mall; that is, the virus
spread by indirect transmission."

Scientists are exploring whether COVID-19 is spread mainly through respiratory

droplets and close contact with infected people, and research is lacking on how long the
virus survives outside the body. The authors point out, however, that the Middle East
respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) can survive outside the body and stay
infectious for as long as 60 minutes after aerosolization.

"Hence, the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 [the COVID-19 virus] in our study could have
resulted from spread via fomites (e.g., elevator buttons or restroom taps) or virus
aerosolization in a confined public space (e.g., restrooms or elevators)," they wrote. 

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread
from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread
when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and
surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these
objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch
COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or
exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away
from a person who is sick.

WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue
to share updated findings.    

*Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through
contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air.  See previous answer on “How
does COVID-19 spread?”
*The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients
may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These
symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t
develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the
disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19
becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying
medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to
develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical
attention.