Author Stephen King posted a chapter of his 1978 novel, The Stand, on Twitter to help better contextualize the spread of a global pandemic like the Coronavirus.
The Stand is a post-apocalyptic novel that focuses on a pandemic that almost takes the lives of the entire human population. The story then follows the survivors as they attempt to create a new society.
King posted the eighth chapter, in which he wrote about how the “superflu,” the name of the pandemic in the novel, rapidly spread across the United States. In his tweet, King added, “Chapter 8 of THE STAND. This is how it works. Heed. (But remember [COVID-19] is not as lethal as the superflu.)”
Chapter 8 of THE STAND. This is how it works. Heed. (But remember COID-19 is not as lethal as the superflu.)https://t.co/yqvwbjoVMs
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) March 22, 2020
The chapter explores how just one sick person transmitting the sickness to a handful of people can transform into an exponential spread across the globe.
King’s tweet is a response to the COVID-19 outbreak, as governments are encouraging, and in some cases requiring, people to stay home to limit the spread of the virus. Many businesses are closing their doors, including GameStop, which is temporarily closing all locations to comply with COVID-19 regulations.
The COVID-19 outbreak is also impacting many movie release dates. You can read the full list of movies and shows affected by COVID-19.
IGN is encouraging safety and positivity for all of our readers during this pandemic. Read our tips on how to help, and stay safe, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Logan Plant is a news writer for IGN, and the Production Assistant for Nintendo Voice Chat, IGN’s weekly Nintendo show. You can find him on Twitter at @LoganJPlant.
Source: IGN.com Stephen King Posts The Stand Chapter That Breaks Down How Global Pandemics Spread