The world seems exceptionally quiet today. Seattle feels like there’s been another #SnowPocolypse; streets are nearly empty, traffic is virtually non-existent, and grocery stores have somehow run out of seemingly arbitrary things. I’m talking toilet paper, y’all.
With the rapid stream of information coming in, I’ve found it very hard to gather my thoughts on SARS-CoV2 and COVID-19. How do I stay up-to-date without going into a chronic state of panic?
I don’t have an answer, but here are some resources that I have found helpful*:
- Special Virology episode from the Ologies podcast.
- The Rock the Boat episode.
- PhD Divas: Let’s talk about #COVID19- Dr. Kishana Taylor.
- Dr. Rohin Fransis’ (MedLife Crisis) video: “Doctor gives 6 reasons to be optimistic about coronavirus”
- Kasha Patel’s Science Comedy Paradox episode on COVID-19, because even in tough times we sometimes need a laugh.
- Along the same lines: Caveat’s live-streamed show of Doctors Without Boundaries.
- Predictive models: https://covid19.healthdata.org/
- Trevor Bedfords data-focussed twitter feed.
- Our World in Data.
- Washington Post’s visualization on why we should #FlattenTheCurve.
- The CDC and WHO** websites.
The general guidelines to avoid community spread are to:
- wash your hands thoroughly and frequently (we all know some 20-second -chorus songs by now)
- maintain social distancing (introverts, rejoice!)
- avoid touching your eyes, nose (which is somehow completely impossible)
- cough or sneeze into your elbow
- stay home if you feel sick
- DON’T BE RACIST (can’t believe it has to be said)
So yeah, go wash your hands, take care of yourself and each other, and don’t panic.
* List will be updated as time goes along.
** I’m sorry, here’s the actual link to the World Health Organization.