Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to another.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world and
symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness. All people in each country
and community are fighting for this pandemic since it continues with rising numbers of
infections. Volunteering and service are more necessary during a crisis than ever. Amid the
COVID-19 crisis, supporting our local communities is also essential during these challenging
times. Our applied social scientists including counselors, media professionals, health, and social
workers, are now put in line. 

The pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could
happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in an individual. Public health actions,
such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and
other mental illness. It can be stressful to be separated from others if you have been exposed to
COVID-19. Each person ending a period of home isolation may feel differently about it. During
times like this, counselors play a crucial role in helping clients maintain perspective while
providing methods of coping and continuing their wellness strategies. These actions are firmly
necessary, healthily carry on with stress will make people in our community mentally stronger
(Sioney Fussel, 2020)

During the Covid-19 crisis, social workers are responding to unprecedented situations and had to
adapt quickly and extensively to the health, social and economic dimensions of the crisis. Social
workers, like many health and behavioral health professionals, are concerned about the impact of
coronavirus disease on their well-being, the people to whom they provide services, their families,
and others in the community. Social workers are in a unique position to promote disease
prevention efforts (including disseminating accurate information from trusted sources) and to
help address anxiety and other concerns that are arising as a result of this public health crisis.
“As has been true after other pandemics and economic downturns, professionally trained social
workers may be a key to helping people find their way in the new economy.” –GMercyU’s
Social Work Program Director Wade Luquet, Ph.D. Social workers provide myriad services to
those in need. By definition, social work includes identifying and addressing challenges in areas
such as home life, finances, employment, and relationships. Social work is an exceptionally
rewarding career that makes a lasting difference in the lives of others and entire communities.

To inform the public during these uncertain times, newsrooms across the country have made
pandemic coverage a priority. But the ever-changing and sometimes unverified nature of
COVID-19 data being released has left journalists and researchers with challenges in providing
accurate information to the public. These numbers can provoke public anxiety as people watch
them escalate, challenging reporters to provide accurate, informed information without
generating fear. “This is a time to stick to the facts on the severances of this disease while trying
to calm down the public,” Germany-based global health journalist Martina Merten said in a
webinar on March 19 about reporting on COVID-19. “We need to convey to the public that we
must not take this situation lightly but at the same time not creating panic.” Journalists have
worked to produce coverage about the pandemic combating misinformation, providing public
health updates, and supplying entertainment to help people cope with the virus's impact
(Alexandria Neason, CJR, 2020).
 Social scientists however are retooling existing studies, hoping to capitalize on the data they
already collected to see how the virus is changing things. Many social scientists see disasters as
invaluable lenses through which to study the good, the bad, and the ugly of human societies. And
the coronavirus pandemic is one of a lens, they say. “It’s during moments of crisis when
oftentimes we can learn most about the social order,” said sociologist Lori Peek, director of the
Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder. “Think about what’s happening
right now with the massive inequalities that are emerging in this pandemic and the social and
economic fault lines that are opening wide.” Social and behavioral scientists are mobilizing to
study the enormous, varied impact of COVID-19. Social scientists can help policy-makers and
STEM colleagues develop solutions that people are able and, crucially, willing to follow through
on (Dr. Rachel Middlemass, 2020)
 
           Overall applied social scientist plays a relevant role in our community especially during
this time of pandemic which is truly unexpected. Each counselor, social worker, and media
professional are adjusting to the current environment and new normal situation which made their
work more challenging. Despite that, they continue to help and offer services for those who are
in need. We indeed benefit a lot from them giving us reliable information, taking care of our
mental health, providing helpful service, research, and such.