Items

• 2020-08-01

  No Smell, No Taste

  In August of 2020 while attending a course in Virginia I lost both my sense of smell and sense of taste. For 6 months I tasted nothing, and smelled nothing in the food I ate, or the candles, soaps, drinks, I bought. I did not smell trees, or grass, or flowers. Only habitual hygiene assured me that I myself did not give off an odor that I could not even detect if it was there. I slowly "relearned" smell and taste (that is my theory anyway). Much like it is difficult later in life to learn a language or change your perceptions, now many things are lumped together for me in terms of distinction. All citrus smells the same to me. Onions, garlic, and often other people smell exactly the same. I can no longer stand the taste of anything peach or mango flavored, though I still enjoy the fruits themselves. Having gone so long without smell or taste, it negatively affected every day life. Relationships, conversations, memory, awareness, and even my ability to focus deteriorated and made me realize how integral our senses are socially and physically. Some smells that I distinctly remember initiating a sense of nostalgia no longer elicit the same reaction in me. This is deeply saddening, as I suspect a significant portion of my memories are inaccessible or at least markedly more difficult to recall without a fragrance to tease it out.
• 
  2020-06-21

  Disinfectant Battle at the Doctor's Office

  The photo was taken at the beginning of the pandemic, probably a Friday in the summer because I was not wearing scrubs (casual Fridays). I was working in a pediatric office as a medical assistant in Litchfield County, Connecticut. If you know anything about that area, it was scary at the time because all of the families with any means in NYC were fleeing the city and coming to Litchfield and Fairfield Counties. We were quite nervous at the time that they would spread covid to our communities at the same rate as it was in NYC. Luckily it did not happen. It was a scary time, as every day we would get the ding in the morning and the end of the day of an email notification telling us how many deaths were in local hospitals, how many beds were left (spoiler- none), how much PPE was available (again, none) etc. We were so short on PPE we had to reuse our masks for a whole week (unless exposed of course). I can still remember the feeling of the little fabric “firs” that would start to itch my face after a few days, and the nice smelling essential oils we put in them to make wearing them tolerable- I used citrus smells, and my coworker used coconut. The worst was the lack of cleaning and disinfecting products. We tried to not see patients that were even remotely sick with covid symptoms because we did not have enough cleaner to disinfect the rooms after they left. When we were fortunate enough to get a new bottle of Lysol, we would take fun photos like this one of me threatening my coworker whom I suspected was covered in germs. Little moments like this helped to alleviate the stress of the moments when that email ding came in at the end of the day.
• 
  2020-07

  Apparently I Have Opinions About Hand Sanitizer Now?

  I graduated with my bachelor's degree in April 2020, shortly after my state began heavy COVID-19 shut downs. The plans I had for my career took an unexpected pause. After several months, I finally found work at a local convenience store as a cashier. To accommodate heightened concerns about hygiene and sanitation, we had several bottles of hand sanitizer set up around the checkout areas for both customers and employees. I didn't know how different hand sanitizer brands could be. I suspect that the sudden demand for it during the pandemic must have led to cheaper, lower quality versions being distributed more widely, but our hand sanitizer was the worst. If you pressed the lid of the bottle, you would suddenly find your hands full of a large, unwieldy blob of what felt like elmer's glue and smelled somewhere between a rotten banana and a doctor's office. Try as you might to rub it away, you would inevitable be left with sticky residue all over your hands until you washed them. I guess in that sense it was an effective sanitizer in that it probably made a lot of people actually wash their hands. I no longer work at the gas station, but every time I think of that first COVID summer and that job that I was both so thankful and a little disappointed to have, I think of the feeling of that hand sanitizer.
• 
  2022-05-21

  Hand washing station at Manuel Prado market

  This is a local neighborhood market where you can buy fruit, meat, juices, food, toys, keys, and other items. With the pandemic, this water tank and handwashing station was installed to encourage better hand hygiene.
• 
  2022-04-25

  Empanadas and COVID-19

  These are some photos showing the COVID-19 hygiene measures posted at an Empanada stand called Streat in Arequipa, Peru.
• 
  2020

  Hygiene Meme

  This meme leans into a lot of the anxiety at the beginning of the pandemic. There was a lot of information circulating regarding all of the little things you should be doing to protect yourself like washing your hands, sanitizing your groceries, and not touching your face.
• 2020-03-21

  Life in Quarantine

  During this corona virus pandemic I have learned how important simple hygiene was. Me and my family took the corona virus very seriously from the beginning of the pandemic. My little brother and I would always get yelled at if we forgot to disinfect ourselves with disinfectant spray and wash our hands the moment we get home from school. This was a huge issue in my family because of our limited living space, if one of us got exposed to the corona virus the rest of us would inevitably get it too. This is why simple hygiene is important especially during times like these where it can affect not just you but your family as well.
• 2020-03-20

  The huge personal challenge

  The pandemic changed our lives completely. I believe that thanks to that we learned to value life more and especially personal and global hygiene. This challenge was enormous, the pandemic changed our perspective on things, this did not put us on a tightrope where no one knows what was going to happen where everything was uncertain. But I think we have overcome a large part although we are not free from anything.
• 
  2021-09-27

  Garima Sehgal Oral History, 2021/09/27

  Two Northeastern students discuss how the pandemic affected their lives, including the impacts of the pandemic on their communities
• 
  2021

  9 WAYS TO PREVENT FACE MASK SKIN PROBLEMS

  Masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of the coronavirus. Masks can also be hard on your skin, causing problems that range from acne and peeling skin to rashes and itchiness. To help prevent skin problems from developing under your mask, board-certified dermatologists recommend these nine tips. 1. Cleanse and moisturize your face daily. Gentle skin care can prevent skin problems. When washing your face, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and follow these steps, Face washing 101. Dry skin is a common face mask skin problem. Applying moisturizer adds a protective layer that can reduce dryness. You want to apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face. To get the most benefit from a moisturizer, board-certified dermatologist Carrie L. Kovarik, MD, FAAD, recommends using a moisturizer with one of the following ingredients: -Ceramides -Hyaluronic acid -Dimethicone (which can also create a barrier that helps reduce irritated skin) You can prevent breakouts from your moisturizer by using a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. When selecting moisturizer, follow this guide: Oily skin (or when weather is hot, humid): Gel moisturizer Normal or combination skin: Lotion Dry to very dry skin: Cream If you have acne or tend to break out, you can still use a gel moisturizer. Apply moisturizer before and after wearing a mask. Moisturizer can prevent problems, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. (Tip courtesy of board-certified dermatologist Carrie L. Kovarik, MD, FAAD) 2. Protect your lips by applying petroleum jelly. Dry skin and chapped lips are common face mask skin problems. You can prevent chapped lips by applying petroleum jelly to your lips: -After washing your face -Before you put on your mask -Before bed To prevent breakouts, take care to apply the petroleum jelly only to your lips. 3. Skip the makeup when wearing a mask. Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, use only products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won't clog pores.” 4. Avoid trying new skin care products that can irritate your skin. Wearing a mask for even a short time can make your skin more sensitive. To reduce skin problems, avoid trying harsh products, such as a chemical peel, exfoliant, or retinoid, for the first time, says board-certified dermatologist Daniela Kroshinsky, MD, MPH, FAAD. 5. Use less of certain skin care products if your face becomes irritated. When you cover your face with a mask, some skin care products that you’ve used in the past may irritate your skin. If this happens, Dr. Kroshinsky recommends cutting back on products that can irritate your skin, such as: -Leave-on salicylic acid -Retinoid you apply to your face -Aftershave 6. Wear the right mask. To reduce skin problems, look for masks that offer the following: -A snug, but comfortable fit -At least two layers of fabric -Soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton, on the inside layer that rests against your skin Wearing a mask that offers a snug, but comfortable fit helps to protect you and others from the coronavirus. You want a snug fit across your nose, on the sides, and under your chin. A snug, comfortable fit also reduces skin problems. If the mask feels too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin. You’re also more likely to adjust a poorly fitting mask. When you touch your mask, you can transfer germs to your mask and your face. The fabric is also important. Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon on the layer that rests against your skin. These are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts. For more tips on selecting a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov/coronavirus. 7. Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours. Health care workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic have found that this helps save their skin. Of course, only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands. Safe places to remove your mask include: -Outdoors, when you can stay at least six feet away from people -Inside your car when you’re alone -At home 8. Wash your cloth masks. Many health care organizations now recommend that you wash a cloth mask after each use. Washing it also removes oils and skin cells that collect inside the mask, which could lead to a skin problem. You can wash a cloth mask in a washing machine or by hand. Both ways remove germs and other particles. Just be sure to: -Follow the washing instructions on each mask. -Wash the masks in hot water unless the instructions say otherwise. -Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent. After washing your mask, check its shape. If a mask no longer fits snugly (and comfortably), it is less protective. 9. Continue the treatment plan that your dermatologist created for you. If you have a skin condition, such as acne or rosacea, it’s especially important to follow your treatment plan. This can help keep the condition under control.
• 
  2021-07-11

  Pandemic Piñata

  When Covid is over I will no longer have to send my daughter a homemade Pandemic Piñata filled with hand sanitizer, masks, and such "goodies" for her birthday. When Covid is over she'll be able to fly home and celebrate with us.
• 
  2020-04-09

  How pets help people cope during a pandemic

  This article talks about the numerous health benefits that scientific studies have proven we get from pet ownership. During the pandemic, those health benefits are more important than ever. Given that there is no evidence that people can get COVID from their animal companions, interacting with your pet is a fun, easy, and safe way to stay healthy and happy during the pandemic.
• 
  2021-03-01

  #JOTPYFuture from Rebeccag1257

  I hope that we remain vigilant and continue to practice good hygiene and preventative measures @devuku @kumarshivani285 @randomquips @ravdrav257 @bhushan_bhalla7
• 2021-02-07

  New Routines in Education

  The face of education has changed is an understatement. It is not even recognizable as it once was a year ago. We spend more time on hygiene than we have ever before. Most students in my school district have opted to stay online while the handful comes in small cohorts. We are required to keep the socially distanced, masks on, no circulation around the room, teaching them from the Zoom screen even if they are live in class. This has caused me as a teacher to be sad as I thrive on being able to teach my students face to face and interact with them however, I understand. This pandemic I feel has changed K-12 education forever and not for the best in some ways. The new way of teaching has caused many teachers to leave, change their attitudes, and have made us focus on just the basics of student's needs in many cases.
• 2021-01-12

  The Cause of Covid

  I believe that Covid was started in all of the dirty towns of China. I think that because of the unsanitary conditions. Bacteria could have easily collected there, creating this contagious virus. Because it is a frequent place of visitation, it easily spread to mass quantities of people, who did not quarantine themselves. It then spread to America from trade. Because there is much a large trade between the US and China, it was perfect for the virus to spread.
• 2021-01-12

  Covid Journal

  What I think the cause of the virus is well a disease that started in Wohan China. I think it is this because that is where people gather and talk and are close together and do not have a proper cleaning system. Or in other words it's filthy. right now in the world Wohan China is clean and people have opened up business and things are returning to normal.
• 2021-01-12

  What I think about who or what is the cause of this virus.

  I believe that this started through the dirty meat markets in China. Somebody bought bat soup from the meat market that had all kinds of bacteria and viruses in it. This could have happened because of how crowded, contaminated and unsanitary they are at the meat markets. I am not completely sure if this is the reason but this is what I heard from the news.
• 2021-01-12

  The Cause of the Virus

  There are many rumors of how the first person got sick with Covid 19. In my personal opinion I think that this all started at the meat markets in Wuhan, China. People were eating different thing there that could have had bad bacterial. Meats like bat, cow, pig, etc that might have not been sanitized correctly. This could have also been a cause of uncleanliness in the world that made it spread even faster.
• 
  2020-03

  Putting On PPE

  A guide to properly putting on PPE
• 
  2020-03-03

  How To Get Your Workplace Ready For Covid-19

  The World Health Organization released a document on March 3rd, 2020 and it gives advice on how a company should deal with the coronavirus. Within the document it highlights four main topics, simple ways to prevent the spread of covid-19, how to manage covid-19 when organizing meetings and events, things to consider when you employees travel and finally getting the workplace ready for covid-19 in case it arrives in your community. The WHO recommends that companies make sure that the workplace is clean and hygienic by wiping down surfaces that are frequently touched and used. Also promote that everyone is washing their hands. WHO recommends also to have a plan of attack of what to do if someone becomes ill with covid-19 in the workplace.
• 2020-10-18

  The Summer of Stress

  In the days following my graduation from community college in 2015, I fulfilled my lifelong pursuit of procrastination and let my apartment lease run out without securing a new residence. The two weeks of couch surfing and car sleeping which followed surely taught me a lesson in preparedness. I never thought I would be in a situation where I would lose my job and home. in 2015, I still had a job. I had friends who could take me in and help me re-establish; it is easier to continue work and remain healthy when sleeping indoors and enjoying hot showers daily. But in 2020, the story is different. My friends could still take me in; many urged me to. But the pandemic put a weight on my mind that I was not safe to stay with my friends; and I couldn't stay with one friend for a long time (and therefore minimize new contact). I am incredibly afraid that I could harm my friends' families because of the pandemic. Then my job as a cashier at a 7-Eleven by the Orange County Airport was lost because the travel and traffic in the airport area dropped drastically as lockdowns and travel restrictions began; many stores in the area closed. I waited all of summer before I applied for assistance. I kept thinking it would be like the two weeks in 2015; but this was not just my own negligence as a procrastinator, this was my own fault compounded by the pandemic. As the method of my hygiene (24 Hour Fitness) closed, I truly felt the weight of stress on my mind. No more daily hot showers. Luckily my mobile residence, my car, allows me to sleep near the cold showers of the beach. Luckily the YMCA has begun phased re-opening, and I began showering there end of September when I could afford the membership. I am still without a job, and without a permanent residence. It was impossible to manage what money I still have, because eating as a homeless person is not cheap; hot food costs far more money than grocery bought. I had to use my friend's address to even get EBT/food stamps; this is why the homeless folk who are less fortunate than me, who no longer have friends pursuing their safety with them, suffer. There is no address for EBT to send them the food stamps, or they as people in need simply have no friends who can help them shoulder the stress of bad fortune and extreme circumstances.
• -0007-10-18

  The Smell of Quarantine

  During the early days of the pandemic, I flew from my duty station at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to attend an eight week school. While most of the country was shutting down, the military was forced to find solutions to mitigate risk of infection while still maintaining readiness. The solution to this was isolating service members for two weeks prior to training, protecting potentially infected service members from each other while giving time to monitor for potential symptoms. Looking back at my experience being restricted to a room for two weeks, what stands out to me is not how I stayed occupied, the food that was provided, or how I communicated with family, but the smell of the particular hand soap I had in that room with me. Through meticulously using it to clean and wash my hands, the scent filled my room, and I became more annoyed with that smell than I was being restricted to a room. The smell of that soap slowly became my memory associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic. Looking back at that time, five months later, the smell of that soap still standouts as my COVID-19 memory, and I don’t think I’ll be buying that soap in the future.
• 
  2020-09-16

  Refugees & Immigrant Community for Empowerment (RICE)

  Refugee and Immigrant Community Empowerment Center (RICE) is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving and assisting Refugees, Asylees and Immigrants in the Phoenix Metropolitan Statistical Area, created to close the service gaps that remain after the 90-day resettlement period. RICE is directed by a team of leaders from all over the globe and that works directly with local partnerships to strengthen social services and prevent unnecessary hardships for immigrants and refugees. By advocating and promoting education, dialogue and awareness, RICE identifies the potential for new opportunities then integrates them back into our refugee and immigrant communities. MISSION STATEMENT The RICE mission is to aid refugees and immigrants in becoming self-sufficient and contributing members of the economic growth of the community by creating resources and opportunities to training and education in preparing for employment in the community.
• 
  2020-04-13

  Preventing the Spread of Covid-19 in County Jails in Maricopa County

  This press release was written and published by MCSO (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office) to detail the steps and protocols put in place to keep employees, staff and inmates safe and healthy during the pandemic. It also outlines measures put in place for patrol units to keep them and the public safe during the pandemic.
• 
  2020-07-13

  Fear, Terrible Fear

  The story that I have uploaded talks about how the pandemic has impacted people and is a reflection of how I feel as a young individual amongst all of it.
• 
  2020-06-05

  Hygiene Checkpoint: Hands Up

  This health policy brief emphasized the undeniable importance of observing and vigilantly practicing proper hand hygiene as part of the primary preventive health measure to combat the rapid spread of infections and other diseases, especially in this COVID-19 pandemic battle.
• 
  2020-04-30

  Humans of Covid-19 AU: Hugo Ling

  “It’s strange having all this time to myself at home. I'm not necessarily someone who spends a lot of time at home alone doing my own thing in normal circumstances. The first few weeks were very funny to sit back and think ‘What are my interests? What am I into?’ I’ve been trying to do things that keep my brain active, like Boggle, practising my French, and learning some Spanish. Coming back a few months ago from exchange in France has given me some perspective on COVID19. I’ve got a few friends over there who are completely locked in their apartment. Here, we’re lucky to still have the freedom to walk and bike ride at our leisure. I’ve been doing both of them a lot. Earlier in the pandemic, everyone was talking about ‘social distancing’. My mum pointed out that the better term is ‘physical distancing’. You don't want to be socially distant, you want to be socially connected, with a distance - something that me and my friends have maintained. I’ve been feeding off the creativity of some of my friends: weekly Zoom live music; a home-made magazine; a friend is making Vino Quarantino. So there are a few things that have been happening amongst my close circle that keep us all talking, interested and connected. We’ll definitely carry the habit of diligent handwashing into the future, and a greater consideration for general hygiene. The pandemic has definitely sparked that in my house. I get bouts of cabin fever from time to time, but am trying to keep busy and active.” Instagram post on Hugo Ling, student, and his experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives.
• 
  2020-05-20

  “Entering a New Phase in the Fight”: Lac du Flambeau Tribe’s First Coronavirus Case on Reservation

  “Despite tremendous efforts and sacrifices made by many people in our community, there now is one confirmed coronavirus case involving a resident of Lac du Flambeau… We are in the process of testing people who came in close contact with the person who tested positive. So far, the rapid testing has been negative and they are asymptomatic or not showing symptoms of being sick. All close contacts will be in isolation for 14 days, following the protocols and monitoring for symptoms.”
• 
  2020-06-17

  Covid -19 blessing in disguise

  assignment
• 
  2020-03-02

  "Hand Washing" Comic

  A four panel comic from Dami Lee's ongoing autobiographical comedic series, in which she references the common usage of songs, particularly their choruses, to indicate the length of time one should wash one's hands to safely reduce the risk of infection with coronavirus and other pathogens. She then jokes about her own tendency to end up singing the entire song, therefore getting her hands very clean.
• 2020-06-04

  Stay at home

  I haven't get my hair cut for like six month lol.
• 
  2020-05-29

  I am a Hero Now When I Cancel My Dental Appointment

  People generally don't enjoy going to the dentist, and from the dentist's point of view, canceled appointments is a big problem. They might charge you for the time, but it's almost always a problem affecting their income and schedule for the day. However, during the Time of Corona, you are acting like a brave and courageous hero by staying home and not going to the dentist.
• 
  2020-05-29

  Can We Take Showers Yet?

  During the Corona Time, everywhere you looked showed you how to wash your hands and warned you to do so. Talk show hosts demonstrated the methods, ads on TV urged us to wash our hands every time we touched anything, and people made song parodies about hand-washing. So the joke here is that were we only allowed to wash our hands, not the rest of our bodies? No one told us to shower! #ASU #HST580 #Humor #Washing #Coronavirus #COVID19
• 
  04/05/2020

  A TP Shortage

  Although this store has nothing to do with hygiene products, this attempt at humor reflects the acute toilet paper shortage caused by the virus-induced "panic-buying" that slammed stores nationwide. #NortheasternJOTPY
• 
  2020-04-13

  You Do You

  Given the way this virus has inserted itself into our lives, its effects can be felt by almost everyone. In order to stave off the inaction that can easily sneak in and attach itself to me, I have resolved to do two things. Make my bed and take a shower every day. I'm not saying that anyone else has to do them. It's okay to not master a new language or learn the harpsichord. But for me, if I do nothing one day, that soon turns into three or four days of doing nothing. When I see creativity on the web from people all around the globe, I'm inspired. So, I put artwork or drawing and painting tutorials online in the hopes that it might inspire others to be creative. You don't have to create something massive or incredible. Sometimes it's the little things that make a difference to someone else. So, that's the way to do it. Do something. Do you paint? Do you draw? Do you build furniture? Are you a whiz when it comes to growing turnips? Whatever it is, show it to others. Step outside yourself for a minute and maybe be that inspiration for someone else. Or not. There's a lot to be said for just keeping it together and getting up every day. If that's what you got - do that. Just wash your hands.
• 
  2020-04-16

  Professor, wash your hair

  A Ph.D. student reminds professors to remain professional while teaching via Zoom. Her advice is received as tone-deaf, condescending, and sexist. Original article here. A response from Isis the Scientist via Skepchick here.
• 
  04/18/2020

  Inside Higher Ed Can Fuck Right Off…

  A response to the Inside Higher Ed Piece "Professor, please wash your hair." Calls out original author and Inside Higher Ed for criticizing women. Original article in Inside Higher ed here. Response by Isis the scientist on Skepchick, here.
• 
  2020-04-04

  Homemade corona anthem

  Original song
• 
  2020-03-27

  Queen of Hygiene

  The painting is of a girl taking a bath in a bathroom with a few plants, a big window and a sink with a mirror. She has long hair and her knees poke out of the bathwater. During the pandemic, hygiene is essential. Washing your hands can be the difference between life and death. Covid-19 has proven to also be extremely stressful and anxiety inducing. A hot bath is the perfect solution to both problems :)
• 
  2020-03-22

  Coronavirus, Mikveh, and Taharat Hamishpacha

  My partner shared an email with me from the Rabbi of a synagogue we're affiliated with, which addressed questions he'd received from congregants about how to deal with family purity laws under the current physical distancing restrictions. The email recommended reviewing the advice on this website, which provides guidelines for Jewish women performing ritual immersion at a mikveh (ritual bath) for the purposes of family purity, and for mikveh attendants, during the coronavirus outbreak. The advice was developed by Jewish women who are revered as experts in this aspect of religious law.
• 
  03/21/2020

  Jason E. Bowers Letter to St. Johns

  A first hand letter on a husband and wife handling their personal Covid Situation.
• 
  2020-03

  Official sign on public transport in Paris, France

  This official sign, reminding of the importance of good hygiene, appears on all public transport in Paris. This one - on a number 76 bus - has been doctored with the advice to take used handkerchiefs to the police station. It may represented a feeling that official advice is exaggerated, or simply anti-police sentiment.