32 things we have learned during the pandemic

We have subscribed to Disney + (like most parents with kids).

Yesterday we watch The Lion King, a classic.

I love this film.

And there is a scene that I particularly love.

Rafiki, the monkey that seems to be crazy, but is actually a guru, slaps Simba (the lion) with a stick.

Simba: Ow, Jezz! What was that for?

Rafiki: It doesn’t matter is in the past

Simba: Yeah but it still hurts!

Rafiki: Oh yes, the past can hurt but the way I see it you can either run from it or learn from it.

Then the monkey tries to slap him again, but this time the lion has learnt to avoid the blow.

Simple, we can run or learn.

In Leon Research we have tried to learn during the pandemic. Some very profound and others simpler.

We have compiled some of these things and we wanted to share it with you.

If you want to learn with us click here.

I see this pandemic as a new time that starts. The question is if we are going to learn from the past, although it hurts?

In Spain, Italy and Portugal we are starting to the new normality and these are the main measures we are implementing right now:

 Operational measures:

• The monitoring visits are resumed, always following the security preventives measures and the specific guidelines provided by each site.
• New protocols to resume work activities bit by bit and in the safest way:

1. By identification and assessment of personnel especially sensitive to SARS-COV-2 to define whether additional measures to adapt the workplace are necessary.
2. And providing individual protection equipment for workers.

• We follow a guideline to manage clinical trials during COVID-19, that is regularly updated with EMA and CA of each country guides.
• Encourage teleworking as much as possible in order to change the monitoring model towards a model of remote assistance to sites and researchers.
• We are in continuous contact with Competent Authorities and other associations such as AECIC to perform remote monitoring in the best possible way.

 Financial measures:

• We have applied the Paid License system in which the hours not worked during the alarm and teleworking period are accumulated to be worked before the end of the year.
• We have suspended the summer extra payments until the financial conditions allow the payment.
• With the aim is to reduce structural costs as much as possible we have been decided to maintain the teleworking policy until a relatively normal situation can be re-established, and all our offices (León, Madrid, Turin and Rome) will remain closed until the risk of contagion is reduced.

 Communication measures:

• We are using creative methods to feel connected, stay involved and contribute to build an online culture.
• We have spoken to many of our clients about the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and we are very grateful for all that have shared their concerns and plans with us. This allows us to proactively design new ways to collaborate with our clients.
• Since the beginning we have maintained close contact with all employees, customers and suppliers. Our commitment and effort are essential to continue offering our services with the least possible impact.

Our goal is not only to get out of this situation safely, but to make us stronger and wiser.

PD- Among other things, I am learning to play ukulele. If you want to see my improvement, not very interesting though, click here.