Pandemic Terms
Science >Ventilation.
Airflow/Circulation: The process of air moving through the space and ventilation system.
Fresh Air: New air from outdoors pulled into the HVAC system and then temperature controlled to pump into the space.
HEPA Filter: HEPA or High Efficiency Particle Absorbing Filters are very effective at removing COVID-19 virus particles from the air. HEPA filters remove 99.97% of all particles. 0.3 microns is the size that penetrates the MOST, and filtration is still 99.97%, so for all other sizes, larger and smaller (like COVID virus particles) the filtration is even higher.
HVAC Systems: Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling Systems. They control the temperature and humidity of air in an indoor space and pump air through the space using vents, while also pulling in air from outside to refresh the indoor air.
MERV: Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is a measure of how effective a filter is at removing a specific size of particle. MERV 8+ have some ability to trap COVID-19 virus particles, but MERV 13+ is recommended
Recycled Air: At normal recirculation setting, it is likely 50-80% of the air in the space is recirculated and the rest is fresh.
Refresh/Exchange Rate: How often new outdoor air is brought indoors by the HVAC system.
Return Valve: Valve in the HVAC that prevents reversal of the flow of air. It keeps the air moving in the intended direction though the system.
Unit Heaters: A type of HVAC system that does not filter the air.
Velocity of Air: How fast the air is moving in the space.
Zone: an indoor space with recirculating air. An example of a zone is a break-room, or a room in a warehouse
References: CovidStraightTalk
Social.
Covid Boundaries: Specific boundaries around what one will not accept as it relates to personal and public safety. Further reading: LEAD - A Framework for setting #CovidBoundaries
Covid Discourse: The voluntary and intentional act of engaging in conversations about the pandemic; with those who share, or contrast your perspective, with the intent of seeing the virus as the opponent, and not each other. Further reading: BECAUSE Discourse Matters - A framework for having civil discourse.
Physical Distancing: A more accurate way of expressing social distancing. Social distancing is not only a misnomer, it is the opposite of what we intend people do during a pandemic as social interaction is necessary for our mental health and well-being.
Slang.
Covid Fine: A state of being in which you are employed and healthy during a pandemic but you are also tired and depressed and feel like trash all the time.