Searchlight Books Understanding the Coronavirus Heroes of the Pandemic Margaret J Goldstein Lerner Publications Minneapolis
Chapter 1 COVID FRONT LINES In 2020 millions of everyday people became heroes A new type of virus known as a novel coronavirus spread from China around the globe It causes the disease COVID-19 which gives people coughs fevers and aches The disease sometimes kills people Since the virus spreads from person to person many people began working from home to avoid contact with others But that wasn’t possible for everyone Their workplaces became the front lines of the battle against the disease 4
The Strain on Workers Raymond Lopez worked in a supermarket in Los Angeles California He had to work in the store despite the risk of catching COVID-19 Lopez and his coworkers wore face masks practiced social distancing and washed their hands frequently This limited their risk of catching the virus and spreading it to others Essential businesses such as grocery stores remained open during the pandemic 5
