COVID-19 Innovation Challenge

I am lucky enough to work with many of the best innovators in the world. In times of crisis, it has always the role of innovators to take action. Not new vaccines or new technological answers to a very difficult and complicated problem (yes we need them), but speed is what we need to create these solutions that can help right now. This is my Innovation challenge to my fellow innovators to take simple actions using present technology that if connected could make a real difference in this fight. Innovators have a bunch of simple rules that need to be followed today to attack COVID-19. Here are a few:

• "The cavalry is not coming, so what are you going to do about it". The idea is we all should hunker down do nothing is silly. This is causing panic and a feeling of helplessness with consumers. We can all take simple action to reduce our risks but do not panic. If you want a role model the English saying during World War II captures it "Stay Calm and Carry On". It helped change to the tide of the war and kept the UK economy functioning in extreme conditions. During the Spanish flu of 1918, many public meetings were moved outside and people sat 5 feet apart. Stopped people from coming in close contact and UV Sunlight kills viruses. Help reduce or flatten the spread of the virus. "Researchers say today a certain spectrum of ultraviolet light -- called far-UVC -- easily kills airborne flu viruses while posing no risk to people. WebMD So getting into the sun does help.
• The 20/80 rule: When do people, organizations, businesses, and countries change when risk and reward are reversed. So trying our innovation in the highest at-risk areas, because they have nothing to lose and they are more willing to change. On NPR radio today I heard a great story about how Telemedicine was being used in Philadelphia to reduce exposure to healthcare workers. Quick response to consumers, doubled usage without big investment and reduced exposure to healthcare workers. It seems like a simple solution to a real problem.
• Creative Innovation: "Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while." Steve Jobs.

So here are a few creative simple solutions that connect present technology to help fight COVID-19:

• Create a national COVID-19 telemedicine 1-800 hotline for people in our country. The 1-800 number would reroute calls from each area based on the phone number area code to present providers. Since all insurance providers have already agreed to work together to fight the outbreak this is a simple solution. Reduces exposure to healthcare workers, quick response to consumers patients to quickly diagnose if they have an issue without leaving their home and reduces public fears and helps reduce the chance of hospital overloads.
• Free COVID -19 in-car testing at Walgreens or other national chains. Distribute kits outside like South Korea. Several million tests are now available to be used, but you must come to a healthcare facility to get tested exposes healthcare workers. Why not use present distribution networks to speed up implementation.
• Install UV Lights in healthcare waiting rooms. Reduces the virus from being spread through the air in high contagious areas. "The use of overhead, low-level far-UVC light in public locations would be a safe and efficient method for limiting the transmission and spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases, such as influenza and tuberculosis." Health Day Reporter. Reduce the spread in high traffic locations.

I am not a healthcare worker or Doctor. I challenge Innovators to share their ideas with each other and those that can help implement these changes in this time of crisis.