Glass model of the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus

Miniature glass model inspired by the shape of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, designed and made by Amanda Glanville with miniature face covering made by Emma O'Brien, United Kingdom, 2020

Each year, glass artist Amanda Glanville counts down the days until Christmas by creating and posting a new piece on her social media accounts. In 2020, one of her works was an interpretation of the virus that causes COVID-19. Many people bought these models as decorations for their Christmas trees. Emma O’Brien created the face covering from a disposable face mask. Face coverings and masks are one way of preventing the spread of coronavirus. Many public spaces, shops and businesses required people to wear one by law, unless they were exempt.

Glanville’s social media post was on the same night that London and the South East entered Tier 4, with restrictions beginning at midnight. This meant that many Christmas plans had to be rearranged at short notice. Originally, three households could form a Christmas bubble for the 24 to 27 December 2020. However, due to the spread of a more infectious variant of the virus, Christmas bubbles were only allowed to take place in certain areas and only for one day.