Friday, 3rd April 2020
The current situation has produced a whole new vocabulary. Some words are new, some have been brought out of retirement to be used in these uncertain times.
Coronavirus. A generic term for a virus that causes repertory infections. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/coronavirus
Covid-19 The virus, officially called Sars-CoV-2, causes the disease Covid-19. But that’s not important right now. What is, is that it’s causing all this inconvenience. For those, like me, that are interested in the styling of Covid-19 (not the hair and the jacket – those are hideous), I’m using the Guardian’s style: https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-observer-style-guide-c
Self-isolation. Not really a word until these times when we all know what it means. Putting oneself into a state of isolation to avoid passing on Covid-19 to any other person, or to avoid catching it from someone else.
Social distancing. Again, not really a phrase we ever used until we did use it. The art of keeping a distance away from another person in order to reduce the chances of contracting Covid-19. Generally, a two-metre distance is advised, although there is talk of that increasing.
Furlough. A period of time where a worker is allowed to be absent. In these times, it is used to reflect the government’s policy of social distancing and self-isolation measures. Employees are being ‘furloughed’, with their salaries paid directly by the state. Its origins are from 1631, but we’re now finding a use for this word!
I am not furloughed however! I’m pleased to say that today, I started work with a new indie author!
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