The first version of the Contagion set

January 30, 2021By Jan KovaříkUpdates

The first version of the Contagion set

Last year, the global pandemic changed our day-to-day lives in ways and degree nobody expected. Lockdowns, quarantines and even restrictions of personal gatherings, this affected more or less all of us.

Now, a year later, we’re still far from having won the battle, but we have a slightly better idea about what we’re up against. What we know for sure is how to reduce the risk of infection and also have the very first vaccines. It became gradually clear, that this contagion is something that doesn’t disappear by itself and we’ll have to face it permanently.

That’s why I intentionally avoided using the word Covid in the name of the set, as the next year it can be another mutation of this virus or something else entirely and I’d like this set remain universally applicable and usable anytime in the future. I don’t want this to be a one-time thing and while the name “Contagion set” might not be as popular, it will allow me to be more agile while updating this icon set in the future.

This set is available now for just $10 or for free, even for commercial purposes (with attribution). I wanted to make this set available for more people, as not everyone can afford it, but everyone should have the possibility to create a simple sign on their door or a banner for their website. Also it’s a great opportunity for newcomers to try or test GLYPHICONS for free. If you’d want to use these icons without attribution, want a regular license or simply want to support me, you can buy them as any other GLYPHICONS set, I’ll definitely appreciate it.

Contagion set should cover pretty much everything basic related to the current (or future) “virus” crisis. From protection, disinfection, symptoms, to patients in various conditions, different kinds of face masks and finally vaccination itself.

I know for sure, that now it’s not everything that should be there. I’m planning to update this set continuously, so if you miss any icon that would fit there, send me your suggestions at: glyphicons@gmail.com.

Stay strong

The following text is not related to icons directly, but given the circumstances, I think it’s worth to be said…

If I’ve learned anything in the last year that it’s a fact, that nothing will be quite the same as before. I know that now it might seem hard to adjust to this “new normal” and that many of you really struggle at the moment, but it’s really important that we try to learn to ease in to this uncertainty (although it may seem impossible now) and find a way how to be a friend with it.

I know, easier said than done, I agree, but it has been always like that, really. Nothing in the world is or ever was certain, nothing should be taken for granted, everything is interconnected, including us. It’s just us, modern society, we managed to build this false sense of superiority and separation from the world around us and it has caught us unprepared.

This period of time hasn’t been easy for anyone, but try to stay be positive and see the bright side. There is one, really. Nature all over the the planet have now a chance to catch its breath and in a sense so have many of you – when you have been given a chance to break up your daily routines and take some time to think and reflect, although I admit, a little involuntarily.

I’d like to leave you here with a positive thought and sincere wish for your firm health, that’s all what is important now.


Jan Kovařík

Jan Kovařík

Hi, I'm Jan, an independent graphic designer and author of GLYPHICONS icons. I spent most of my free time with icons and symbols you can see on glyphicons.com. The rest of my time I divide between my family, my cat, my dog and Aikido.