A candlelit vigil on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 19, 2021, honored the hundreds of thousands of Americans killed by COVID-19.
Credit: © Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

One year ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease COVID-19 a pandemic—that is, a disease that spreads over an extremely wide geographic area. In one year, the deadly respiratory disease has infected nearly 115 million people and killed more than 2.5 million people worldwide.

The first COVID-19 cases occurred in Wuhan, China, near a seafood and live animal market. This fact suggested to scientists that the disease may be zoonotic (spread from animals to people). Researchers proposed that, like the related diseases MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), COVID-19 may have its origin in bats. Further analysis of the virus SARS-CoV-2 showed that it had clearly originated in bats. SARS-CoV-2 stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. How the virus crossed over into human beings has not been determined. After the virus entered humans, human-to-human transmission became the chief way in which the disease spread.

As the pandemic progressed, some authorities closed schools and such nonessential businesses as restaurants, movie theaters, and hair salons. Some officials issued stay-at-home orders. The orders forbade people from leaving their homes except for such necessary activities as working at an essential job, buying food, or seeing a doctor.

To pass time over the long year and help stay cheerful while stuck at home, many people turned to baking treats, reading books, and making arts and crafts. For instance, some people recreated famous paintings. Such museums as the Getty Center in Los Angeles, California, provided people with prompts. Then, using household products and costumes buried at the bottom of toy chests, people recreated famous works of art. Emanuel Leutze’s “Washington Crossing the Delaware,” for example, became “Wagon Crossing the Street.” Re-enacting masterpieces was a great way to past the time, while you waited for your treats to bake.

Sandra Lindsay, left, a Black nurse, is injected with the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer on Dec. 14, 2020, in the Queens borough (section) of New York City. The rollout of the vaccine, the first to be given emergency authorization by the Food and Drug Administration, begins the biggest vaccination effort in U.S. history.
Credit: © Mark Lennihan, Getty Images

In December 2020, hope began to arrive in the form of vaccines. Vaccines are special medicines that can help make a person immune to a particular disease. The long-awaited “V-Day,” short for Vaccine Day, arrived in the United States on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Sandra Lindsay—a nurse at a hospital in the Queens borough (section) of New York City—was hailed as the first person in the United States to receive an authorized COVID-19 vaccination.

Not everyone who wants a vaccine has been able to get one right away. The first doses were given to healthcare workers. Then, frontline workers (workers likely to encounter the disease) followed, along with people vulnerable to the virus, including the elderly and those with such risk factors as obesity or diabetes.

Since December, nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population has received the vaccine. Tens of thousands more get vaccinated each day, raising hopes that the end of the pandemic is near.

Tree pose
Credit: © Rob Marmion, Shutterstock

The pandemic (global outbreak) of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 has challenged people’s mental well-being, as well as their physical health. Many people have struggled with uncertainties about their jobs, health, schooling, and the welfare of faraway family members, for instance. Such worries can elevate stress levels, leaving people feeling anxious. One way that some people relieve stress and anxiety is to meditate. Meditation is the act of thinking deeply and at length. Meditation can have a variety of benefits, including improved sleep and focus and reduced anxiety.

Most meditation consists of exercises intended to create a state of peace and relaxation, heightened awareness, or spiritual purification. Much meditation is part of religious practice, and most major religions have systems of meditation. In some religions, the individual meditates through the repetition of a specific sound, word, or text. For example, Hindus and Buddhists meditate by repeating a sound or verse called a mantra. Some meditation involves focusing on a certain visual image. In Tantric Buddhism, the individual concentrates on a sacred diagram of the universe called a mandala. Objects or physical actions may enhance meditation. For example, Roman Catholics may meditate while reciting and counting prayers on a string of beads called a rosary.  

A Hindu system of meditation called yoga involves special sitting positions, breath control, and other physical disciplines. Many non-Hindus in Western countries practice some form of yoga exercise to improve their health and achieve peace of mind.

Yoga is an easy form of meditation to incorporate into your daily life. For instance, while you brush your teeth, stand on one leg and place the sole of the opposite foot on the calf of your standing leg. Straighten up through your core until you feel as tall as a tree. (This pose is called tree pose!) Close your eyes and focus on your breathing—or the sound of your toothbrush. Being present and focusing on your breathing can create a moment of calm.

After you brush your teeth, you can continue your meditative morning at breakfast. As you wait for your favorite breakfast—perhaps for a waffle to pop out of the toaster—breathe deeply for about 30 seconds. Breathing deeply means slow inhales . . . and slow exhales . . . Although you might be tempted to lick your lips or butter your toast, keep your body still. A quiet body helps focus your thoughts.

Meditation offers a variety of benefits. But, to get the most from your meditation, be sure to find the meditation that works best for you. Maybe you would enjoy starting each morning with a few yoga poses. Maybe you would like to draw a picture of something that makes you happy. Perhaps you could read a page from your favorite book. No matter your method, be sure to find some time in your day for a moment of calm and happiness.

Chris Nikic, center, is helped into the water by his guide Dan Grieb, right, in the swimming portion of the Florida Ironman triathlon on Nov. 7, 2020, in Panama City Beach. Nikic became the first person with Down syndrome to finish a grueling Ironman triathlon.
Credit: © Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN

This past November, 21-year-old Chris Nikic made history, when he became the first person with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman triathlon. Down syndrome is a condition present at birth characterized in part by intellectual disabilities and other difficulties. In just under 17 hours, Nikic completed the grueling competition, which consists of a 2.4-mile (3.9-kilometer) open-water swim, 112-mile (180-kilometer) bike ride, and 26.2-mile (42-kilometer) run. Nikic is an inspiration to athletes everywhere and to anyone who faces special challenges.

The Ironman is far from the first challenge Nikic has overcome. When he was just 5 months old, he had open-heart surgery. Because of weakness and poor balance, he could not walk until he was 4. It took him months to learn how to run and even longer to learn how to tie his shoes. But, Nikic overcame his difficulties to excel at athletics. In his teens, he began competing in such sports as swimming and basketball in the Special Olympics.

In October 2019, Nikic decided he wanted to train for an Ironman triathlon. He joined a local endurance group and enlisted a coach named Dan Grieb. (Grieb would later participate in the Ironman alongside Nikic as a guide.) In preparation for the competition, Nikic and Grieb did 20-mile (32-kilometer) runs and 100-mile (161-kilometer) bike rides.

On the day of the race, Nikic and Grieb finished the swim in just under 2 hours. The bike ride proved challenging. After getting off his bike to get a drink of water, Nikic realized he was surrounded by fire ants. The ants bit Nikic, causing his legs to swell. A few minutes later, he crashed his bike. Nearly halfway through his run, Nikic complained of pain. But, hugs and supportive words from his family spurred him on. Nikic proclaimed, “My dreams are going to win.” Sixteen miles (26 kilometers) later, his dreams did win—Nikic crossed the finish line to complete the exhausting, day-long race.

Credit: © Atstock Productions, Shutterstock

Friday, January 1, is New Year’s Day, the first day of the calendar year. People in almost every country celebrate this day as a holiday. The celebrations are both festive and serious. Many people make New Year’s resolutions to break bad habits or to start good ones. Some think about how they have lived during the past year and look forward to the next 12 months.

In a typical year, New Year’s celebrations may include visiting friends and relatives, giving gifts, and attending religious services. Celebrations usually start on New Year’s Eve, December 31. In the United States, many people go to New Year’s Eve parties. Crowds gather in Times Square in New York City, on State Street in Chicago, and in other public places. At midnight, bells ring, sirens sound, firecrackers explode, and everyone shouts, “Happy New Year!”

Of course, 2020 has not been a typical year, and 2021 New Year’s festivities are likely to look a little different. Efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the pandemic (global outbreak) of the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Such efforts often include social distancing, meant to limit contact among people and thus the spread of germs. So, gone are the large crowds in Times Square. In addition, such traditional New Year’s Day celebrations as visiting friends and relatives or attending religious services might be limited to virtual events this year.

Many people may be particularly excited to say good-bye to 2020. The year was largely overshadowed by the pandemic. COVID-19 was first recognized in human beings in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. By January 30, COVID-19 had caused 170 deaths among some 8,000 confirmed cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern. WHO recommended urgent containment measures as the number of cases and deaths continued to climb. On March 11, WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

As the pandemic progressed, some authorities closed schools and such businesses as restaurants, movie theaters, and barber shops and hair salons. Some officials issued stay-at-home orders. The orders forbade people from leaving their homes except for such necessary activities as working at an essential job, buying food, or seeing a doctor.

As of late December, COVID-19 has caused more than 1.7 million deaths worldwide, and more than 82.1 million cases had been confirmed. More than 185 countries have reported cases of COVID-19.

However, the new year offers hope in the form of vaccines, special medicines that can help make a person immune to a particular disease. The long-awaited V-Day, short for Vaccine Day, arrived in the United States on Monday, December 14, with the beginning of widespread vaccination against COVID-19. The first vaccine doses were given to health care workers. Next in line are frontline workers (workers likely to encounter the disease) and people who are vulnerable to the virus, including the elderly and people with such risk factors as obesity or diabetes. Some of these people have already received the vaccine, but most people may have to wait to be vaccinated until the spring of 2021.

So, it will take some time for things to return to normal. But, here’s wishing you a happier and healthier 2021!

Credit: © Ailisa, Shutterstock

Saturday, December 26, marks the first day of the holiday Kwanzaa. The holiday was developed in 1966 in the United States by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Pan-African studies and Black cultural leader. The holiday centers on the Nguzo Saba, seven principles of Black culture developed by Karenga. These principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Kwanzaa is seven days long, lasting from Saturday through Friday, January 1.

The word Kwanzaa, sometimes spelled Kwanza, comes from the phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means first fruits in Swahili (also called Kiswahili), an East African language. There are seven basic symbols of Kwanzaa: mazao (the fruits of the harvest), the mkeka (a mat on which they are arranged), the kinara (a candleholder), mishumaa saba (candles), muhindi (ears of corn, one for each child in the family), the kikombe cha umoja (the chalice of unity), and zawadi (gifts). The zawadi that families exchange are often homemade. Each evening, families light one of the seven candles in the kinara and discuss the day’s principle.

Near the end of the holiday, there is a feast called karamu. It features traditional foods, ceremonies honoring the ancestors, assessments of the old year and commitments for the new, performances, music, and dancing.

Like so many holidays this year, Kwanzaa might look different than in years past. For instance, the entire community usually gathers for karamu. But, in many places, efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the pandemic (global outbreak) of the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Such efforts often include social distancing, meant to limit contact among people and thus the spread of germs. But, limiting the spread of germs doesn’t mean you can’t have seven days of joy!

One socially distant way to celebrate the holiday is to have a virtual dance party with friends and family. Performances, music, and dancing are important parts of karamu. So, choreograph a dance with the people in your household and send a video to friends and family. Your friends and family can learn the dance, too! If you must visit friends or relatives, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after greeting others. Wearing a protective face mask when not eating can help prevent the spread of disease. However you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a safe and fun Kwanzaa!

Sandra Lindsay, a Black nurse, is injected with the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer on Dec. 14, 2020, in the Queens borough (section) of New York City. The rollout of the vaccine, the first to be given emergency authorization by the Food and Drug Administration, begins the largest vaccination effort in U.S. history.
Credit: © Mark Lennihan, Getty Images

The long-awaited V-Day, short for Vaccine Day, arrived in the United States on Monday, December 14, with the beginning of widespread vaccination against the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Vaccination involves the administration of special medicines called vaccines, which can help make a person immune to a particular disease. Sandra Lindsay—a nurse at a hospital in the Queens borough (section) of New York City—became the first person in the United States to receive the authorized COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 has killed more than 1 million people and infected more than 60 million people around the world. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use authorization for the vaccine, by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, on December 11. V-Day provided a moment of hope against the COVID-19 pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease) even as the U.S. death toll topped 300,000.

The fact that Lindsay—a Black health care worker—was first in line to receive the vaccine is significant. In the United States, COVID-19 has disproportionally affected Black Americans, and medical workers have been on the front line of the fight against the disease. Lindsay said it was important for her to take the vaccine, in part because of the history of unequal and racist treatment of minorities in the medical system. In particular, she mentioned the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a notorious medical experiment involving Black Americans. Beginning in 1932, medical workers conducted blood tests among 4,000 Black men in Tuskegee, Alabama, and selected for the study about 400 who were found to be infected with the sexually transmitted disease syphilis. The participants in the study were not informed that they were infected with syphilis or told about the expected outcomes of the experiment. Lindsay hoped to inspire Black people and other minorities who may be skeptical about the vaccine. After receiving the first of two doses, she said, “It feels surreal. It is a huge sense of relief for me, and hope.”

The first doses of the Pfizer vaccine to be given to Americans were shipped on Sunday, December 13. The United States is not the first country to approve the vaccine. On December 8, Margaret Keenan of the United Kingdom became the first person in the world to receive the authorized vaccine. Canada has also approved the vaccine, administering its first dose the same day as the United States.

In many cases, administration of a COVID-19 vaccine will be voluntary. But, it will be a while until everybody who wants a vaccine can get one. In the United States, the first doses will be given to health care workers. Frontline workers (workers likely to encounter the disease) and people who are vulnerable to the virus, including the elderly and people with such risk factors as obesity or diabetes will be next. Some of these people may receive the vaccine by the end of 2020. But, most people will have to wait until the spring of 2021.

Most vaccines are administered into the body by injection. A vaccine contains substances that stimulate the body’s immune system to produce molecules called antibodies. The immune system uses antibodies to fight against germs that enter the body. Antibodies produced in response to a vaccine can protect a person who is exposed to the actual disease-causing organism. The process of protecting the body in this way is called immunization. Vaccines have been successful in fighting many other diseases, including chickenpox, meningitis, and yellow fever.

Pfizer and Moderna began clinical trials in July. During these trials, participants were given either the vaccine or a placebo. A placebo is a substance that contains no active ingredient. Comparing infection rates in subjects who received the placebo with those among subjects who got the vaccine can help determine if the vaccine is effective. In the Pfizer and Moderna clinical trials, half the participants were given a placebo of salt water, and half were given the vaccine. The researchers then waited to see who might get sick. The results were very promising—both vaccines were about 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19. By contrast, commonly administered influenza vaccines (known as flu shots) are 40 percent to 60 percent effective.

In late November, the companies Pfizer and Moderna each applied for emergency approval from the FDA for their COVID-19 vaccines.  The two companies are among dozens of drugmakers that have worked tirelessly to develop a vaccine against the deadly virus.

Nurse administering a vaccination.
Credit: © Shutterstock

The coronavirus disease COVID-19 has killed more than 1 million people and infected more than 60 million people around the world. But, hope may be just around the corner, in the form of vaccines. Vaccines are special medicines that can help make a person immune to a particular disease. Vaccines have been successful in fighting many other diseases, including chickenpox, meningitis, and yellow fever.

In late November, the companies Pfizer and Moderna each applied for emergency approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their COVID-19 vaccines.  The two companies are among dozens of drugmakers that have worked tirelessly to develop a vaccine against the deadly virus.

Most vaccines are administered into the body by injection. A vaccine contains substances that stimulate the body’s immune system to produce molecules called antibodies. The immune system uses antibodies to fight against germs that enter the body. Antibodies produced in response to a vaccine can protect a person who is exposed to the actual disease-causing organism. The process of protecting the body in this way is called immunization. 

Pfizer and Moderna began clinical trials in July. During these trials, participants were given either the vaccine or a placebo. A placebo is a substance that contains no active ingredient. Comparing infection rates in subjects who received the placebo with those among subjects who got the vaccine can help determine if the vaccine is effective. In the Pfizer and Moderna clinical trials, half the participants were given a placebo of salt water, and half were given the vaccine. The researchers then waited to see who might get sick. The results were very promising—both vaccines were about 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19. By contrast, commonly administered influenza vaccines (known as flu shots) are 40 percent to 60 percent effective.

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine. They have nearly or completely eliminated several diseases. For instance, Edward Jenner, a British physician, introduced vaccination in 1796 as a preventive measure against smallpox. By the late 1970′s, smallpox vaccination had wiped out the dreadful disease. In the United States and many other countries, disease has been greatly reduced by widespread childhood immunizations. In 1952, for example, more than 21,000 cases of the paralytic disease polio were reported in the United States. By the end of the 1900′s, fewer than 10 cases per year were reported. More than 95 percent of children in the United States receive all their recommended immunizations by the time they enter school.

In many cases, administration of a COVID-19 vaccine will be voluntary. But, it will be a while until everybody who wants a vaccine can get one. Once approved, the vaccine—from Pfizer, Moderna, or other companies—will likely first be available to health care workers, frontline workers (workers likely to encounter the disease), and people who are vulnerable to the virus, including the elderly and people with such risk factors as obesity or diabetes. Some of these people may receive the vaccine by the end of 2020. But, most people will have to wait until the spring of 2021.

Credit: © Drazen Zigic, Shutterstock

Cans of cranberries are piled high on grocery store shelves. The smells of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg float through the house. The sound of snapping green beans fills the air. It’s nearly Thanksgiving Day in the United States, the day set aside each year for giving thanks and remembering the blessings of life. People may celebrate the day with family gatherings, feasting, and prayer. For many people, Thanksgiving calls forth memories of tables crowded with food, happy reunions, football games, and religious contemplation.

But Thanksgiving Day—like so many holidays in 2020—might look different than in years past. In many places, efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the pandemic (global outbreak) of COVID-19. Such methods often include social distancing, meant to limit contact among people and thus the spread of germs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has even advised Americans to avoid Thanksgiving travel and gatherings with relatives outside their household. That means that people might not see loved ones in person or crowd holiday tables this Thanksgiving Day. But, limiting the spread of germs does not mean you can’t have a day of thanks—and delicious foods. Just as you follow a recipe for your favorite Thanksgiving dish, follow these recipes for a safer Thanksgiving Day.

Gathering with people in your household is the safest way to celebrate the holiday. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the company of friends and distant relatives. Plan a video chat to share details of your meal, catch up with loved ones, and talk about the things you are thankful for.

If you must visit friends or relatives, it may help to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after greeting others. Food tastes better with clean hands anyway. You want delicious butter on your warm roll—not yucky germs! When not eating, it may help to wear a protective face mask. Plus, a face mask is a great way to hide yawning. (Roasted turkey, a popular holiday dish, has a chemical called tryptophan that is said to cause drowsiness.)

One way to practice social distancing at a holiday gathering is to seat one household per table. This means that you can sit with anyone who lives in your house. So, your seatmates might include your parents, brothers and sisters, and any grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that live in your home. Then, seat people from other households about 10 feet (3 meters) away. Before sitting down, disinfect your table and chairs. To pour on some additional safety—like you might pour on the gravy—bring your own drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.

We at World Book are thankful for our readers. We are also thankful to all the doctors, nurses, delivery drivers, and grocery store workers working to keep us safe and healthy. However you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a safe and fun Thanksgiving!

Credit: © FamVeld, Shutterstock

Trick or treat! It’s almost Halloween. But this year, Halloween may look a bit different than in years past. A different look doesn’t scare Halloween, though. Your costumes might change from year to year, so you look different each Halloween, too!

In many places, efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the pandemic (global outbreak) of COVID-19. Such methods often include social distancing, meant to limit contact between people and thus the spread of germs. But, limiting the spread of germs does not mean you can’t have any fun. Here are some tips—and tricks—for a safe and spooky Halloween.

If you plan on going door to door to collect candy, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before greeting others. Carrying hand sanitizer is easy, because you will already have a bag in which to carry your goodies! Plus, candy tastes better with clean hands. You don’t want any yucky germs with your delicious candy.

Another way to stay safe while going door to door is to incorporate a protective face mask into your costume. If you’re going as a unicorn, for example, wear a mask with rainbows. If you’re going as a cat, wear a mask with whiskers, a nose, and a mouth. You could also decorate a mask with the wrappers of your favorite candy, letting your neighbors know which treats you like best.

Not leaving the house this Halloween? You can still go trick-or-treating! Have members of your household stand behind the doors in your house—the front door, back door, bathroom doors, or bedroom doors, for instance. Knock on each door and yell, “Trick or treat!” Your family members can hand out candy. And the best part about trick-or-treating at your house? You get all the candy!

Many people carve jack-o’-lanterns for the spooky season. A traditional jack-o’-lantern is a hollowed-out pumpkin which has eyes, a nose, and a mouth carved into it. With adult supervision, you can carve a pumpkin, creating frightening or funny features. If you don’t want to carve a pumpkin, you can paint on a silly or scary face. One way to enjoy time with your friends may be a socially distanced pumpkin-carving party. Set up tables outdoors at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart and have each family bring their own supplies, or you can provide supplies for your guests. Make sure to disinfect such instruments as carving knives and paintbrushes.

However you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a safe and fun Halloween!

Motorists stop to observe the Walbridge fire, part of the larger LNU Lightning Complex fire, from a vineyard in Healdsburg, California, on Aug. 20, 2020. A series of massive fires in northern and central California forced evacuations as flames quickly spread, darkening the skies and polluting the air.
Credit: © Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images

Wildfires have ravaged the U.S. state of California, killing at least 5 people and forcing thousands to evacuate (leave) their homes. Fueled by a heat wave and sparked by lightning strikes, the wildfires have set the state ablaze and covered the air in thick smoke.

Wildfire is the uncontrolled burning of large areas of vegetation. Wildfires may be ignited by human activities or by natural causes. Such natural causes include lightning, volcanic activity, or even intense sunlight. Wildfires occur on every continent except Antarctica. They are most common in the temperate forests and grasslands midway between the equator and the poles. They are less common in tropical and desert ecosystems.

These are far from California’s deadliest wildfires. Numerous major wildfires occurred in California in the early 2000′s. In 2003, wildfires in southern California destroyed thousands of homes and killed more than 20 people. In 2007, deadly wildfires forced the evacuation of about 500,000 people in San Diego County. In 2013, the so-called Rim Fire burned large areas of the Stanislaus National Forest near Yosemite National Park. Some of the largest wildfires in California history burned during the summer of 2018.

The unhealthy air quality caused by the wildfires is especially concerning, because of the pandemic (global outbreak) of the respiratory disease COVID-19. Smoke-polluted air can weaken lung function, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection.

The current round of fires was made worse by an intense heat wave baking the American Southwest. On August 16, temperatures in California’s Death Valley reached 130 °F (54.4 °C). If these measurements are confirmed, they would be the hottest surface air temperatures ever recorded on Earth.