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t m c p u l s e | j u ly 2 02 0 5 t m c p u l s e | j u ly 2 02 0 Community spread: the spread of a contagious disease in a geo- graphic area in which there is no knowledge of how someone contracted the disease. In other words, no known contact can be traced to other infected individuals. Contact tracing: identifying and monitoring people who may have come into contact with an infectious person. Contactless: without contact; for example, "contactless delivery" would include leaving purchased items at the entryway of a home rather than handing them directly to a person. Containment area: a geographical zone with limited access in or out in an effort to contain an outbreak. Coronavirus: a family of viruses that includes SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), SARS (severe acute respi- ratory syndrome), MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) as well as other respiratory illnesses. A coronavirus, also known as a CoV, is typi- cally spread between animals and humans and takes its name from the Latin word for crown (corona), which refers to the shape of the virus when observed microscopically. COVID-19: the illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 . COVID-19 stands for novel coronavirus disease 2019, the year of its initial detection. Epidemic: a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community or geographic area. Essential businesses: those businesses that serve a critical pur- pose, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, waste collection, health care providers, gas stations, banks, transportation and agriculture services. Flattening the curve: an attempt to create a more gradual uptick of cases in a health crisis, rather than a steep rise, in an effort to avoid overburdening the health care system all at once. "Flattening the curve" does not necessarily decrease the projected number of cases, but spreads them out over a period of time. Herd immunity: the reduction in risk of infection within a population, often because of previous exposure or vaccination. Incubation period: the time between an individual's first exposure to an infectious disease and the appearance of symptoms. A person's level of contagion before symptoms arise is not known for COVID 19, though most experts believe people are most contagious after they begin exhibiting symptoms. Lockdown: an emergency measure in which individuals are restricted from certain areas in an attempt to control exposure or trans- mission of disease. In a lockdown during an epidemic, individuals are encouraged to stay home. Novel coronavirus: a new strain of coronavirus, or nCoV, that has never been detected in humans. Pandemic: worldwide spread of an infectious disease, with larger reach than an epidemic. Until COVID-19, the last pandemic was the H1N1 influenza outbreak in 2009. Physical distancing: the practice of maintaining greater space between oneself and others and/or avoiding direct contact with other people. ➟ COVID-19 Crisis Catalog: A Glossary A compilation of terms related to the global pandemic B y A l e x a n d r a B e c k e r A s a novel coronavirus has created a global crisis unprece- dented in our lifetimes, language has undergone a minor upheaval, as well. TMC Pulse has compiled a list of terms that are essential to under- standing COVID-19, and we're not alone in our efforts to define and differentiate. Merriam-Webster also made updates to its dictionary in response to the pandemic. A selec- tion of those words appear in shaded boxes below.