Corner Column

Posted 8/13/20

The coronavirus pandemic has become an acronym nightmare – on top of everything else it has caused – and it’s just getting worse (JGW).

First we were introduced to COVID-19, the …

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Corner Column

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The coronavirus pandemic has become an acronym nightmare – on top of everything else it has caused – and it’s just getting worse (JGW).

First we were introduced to COVID-19, the abbreviation for the disease caused by the virus. That’s short for COrona VIrus Disease 2019.

The coronavirus itself has a more specific acronym – SARS-CoV-2, which is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus two.

Then we all tried to obtain as much PPE as we could find (personal protective equipment, like masks and sanitizer), as well as toilet paper (TP).

Then the PPP business loans came out (Payroll Protection Program), and of course it was administered by the federal SBA (Small Business Administration).

You could also apply for an EIDL grant from them (economic injury disaster loan).

Our EDCs (economic development corporation or commission) stepped in with local grants to assist struggling businesses.

We started receiving all kinds of health information from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), whose guidelines are strongly recommended in many circles. (Actually it’s CDC&P, as the official name includes “and Prevention.”)

At the local level we depend upon NET Health for our COVID case statistics (Northeast Texas Public Health District).

From the state it’s the DSHS providing information (Department of State Health Services).

Of course school district folks (MISD, QISD, etc.) talk their own language that is rich with acronyms (PEIMS, STAAR, TEKS), so they were comfortable awaiting guidance from the TEA and UIL (Texas Education Agency and University Interscholastic League) on how and when to proceed with classes, sports, etc.

As we have shifted to ordering almost everything online, we anxiously await arrivals from UPS, USPS and FedEx (United Parcel Service, United States Postal Service and Federal Express).

All this should come as no surprise to us, as the language has been devolving in recent years with the proliferation of cell phones, texting and such. It’s LOL this or LMAO that. Although lately the laughter can be a little more difficult to come by. More akin to gallows humor.

We do feel at least partially responsible, as acronyms can make writing headlines easier when writing about organizations we deal with regularly or are well known – DPS, CPS, FBI, CIA and so forth.

That’s it for this week from the WCM and hoping the day is coming soon when it will not be JGW – for acronyms, and for all of us.

Hopefully that day is coming when we will fondly remember a world BC (before COVID) and AD (after disease).