Brand Updates

New AP style updates: Coronavirus

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Here are some of the latest updates from the AP Stylebook when writing about the coronavirus, COVID-19 and related terms.

How to refer to the virus

  • Avoid using SARS-CoV-2, which is the actual name of the virus.
  • It’s acceptable to refer to the coronavirus on first reference in stories about the current pandemic.
  • A year into the outbreak, don’t use the terms “new coronavirus” or “novel coronavirus” unless needed to distinguish between viruses.
  • The term coronavirus is generally acceptable in references to the pandemic: coronavirus cases, coronavirus tests, coronavirus variants.
  • When referring specifically to the virus, the COVID-19 virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are acceptable, as is simply the coronavirus.
  • Use the term COVID-19 when referring specifically to the disease: COVID-19 treatments, COVID-19 patients, COVID-19 deaths, recovering from COVID-19.
  • It’s not accurate to write a virus called COVID-19.
  • The shortened form COVID is acceptable if necessary for space in headlines, and in direct quotations and proper names.

How to use other terms

  • When using social distancing, don’t add quotation marks or hyphen. The shortened versions distancing or distanced are acceptable on second reference if clear in the context.
  • Superspreader is one word. It refers to an individual who spreads a virus or disease to an unusually large number of people, or a setting or event where an infection is spread to a large number of people.
  • Use variant or version to describe a new form of a virus. Avoid using the numbers given to variants such as B.1.1.7 for the one first found in Britain, as well as country labels like the South Africa variant (use the variant first detected in South Africa instead).
  • The terms immunization and vaccination can generally be used interchangeably. Don’t refer to a vaccine as a drug, medicine or serum.
  • Coronavirus vaccines are made in various ways. It’s not necessary to include the type of vaccine, unless relevant, in most stories. Use the manufacturer’s name if needed to distinguish between vaccines: Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sanofi, Sinopharm, Sinovac, CanSino and Johnson & Johnson (J&J on second reference).
  • Avoid saying a vaccine was approved, until full, final approval has been granted by a regulatory agency. Until then, the vaccines are still considered experimental. Describe them as authorized for emergency use; allowed for emergency use; given the green light, etc.
  • Do not use the term anti-vaxxer for someone who opposes vaccinations. If necessary in a direct quotation, explain it.

For more information, log in to the AP Stylebook Online.

Contact university communications

 

 

New AP style updates: Race-related coverage

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Recently, the AP Stylebook updated sections related to race.

A few highlights include:

  • Race-related coverage (revised): Writing about issues involving race calls for thoughtful consideration, precise language, and discussions with others of diverse backgrounds.
  • The racist, racism section added detail on systemic racism, structural racism and institutional racism.
  • The people of color, racial minority section is replaced by separate sections on each term. Among the points: Don’t use BIPOC, BAME or POC unless necessary in a quote; if used in a quote, explain it. Many people object to those terms on varying grounds. Use people of color only when necessary in broad references to multiple races other than white.
  • New entries on Black Lives Matter, Juneteenth and slaves, enslaved people.

There were new entries added (not in the race-related coverage entry)on:

  • Defund: To stop providing or to reduce funds, especially government funds, for a program, group, etc. The term is sometimes misrepresented as abolishing police. Avoid using the term other than in a direct quotation; if used in a quotation, explain and provide detail about what is being sought.
  • Kung Flu: Do not use this racist nickname for COVID-19, including in a direct quotation. Instead, paraphrase and refer to a racist slur for the disease.
  • Looting, looters: Apply the word looters carefully and specifically to those who engage in looting. Avoid the labeling and the stigmatizing of larger communities, groups or all protesters.
  • Riot, unrest, protest, demonstration, uprising, revolt:Use care in deciding which term best applies.

Every time you log into AP Stylebook Online, you can easily find recent updates by clicking on “New Entries” or “Recent Changes” on your subscriber homepage.

 

Editorial style update: Capital letters in websites, email addresses and hashtags

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Missouri State has adopted new guidelines in the Editorial Style Guide for writing out email addresses, websites and hashtags. We are now using a “camel case” style. In this style, the starting letters for each new word are capitalized. This is more inclusive for all readers/users of our content. It helps with readability and accessibility for those who are using a screen reader. Here is the new information associated with camel case.

Email addresses

In email addresses, the first name and last name, as well as the starting letter for each new word, are capitalized (however, .com, .edu, etc., do not need to be capitalized).

Examples:

  • BoomerBear@MissouriState.edu (not boomerbear@missouristate.edu)
  • Bands@MissouriState.edu
  • CollegeOfEducation@MissouriState.edu

Web addresses

When writing out websites, the starting letter for each new word is capitalized (however, .com, .edu, etc., do not need to be capitalized).

Example: MissouriState.edu NOT missouristate.edu

Hashtags

When writing hashtags, the first letter for each new word is capitalized.

Examples:

  • #GoMaroon
  • #BearWearFriday
  • #MissouriState