COVID-19 Roundup: April 11th-12th

27,000 National Guard members are in their communities responding to COVID-19. Soldiers are conducting drive-thru tests, distributing food to those who need it most, constructing tents for hospitals, and helping patients.

Good afternoon everyone, and a very happy Sunday to all of you. There are a great variety of religious and cultural festivals happening as I write this, and I sincerely hope that - whatever the belief or non-belief, whatever the form, some respite, as well as a welcome dose of tranquility, can be found in the midst of all this intensity, uncertainty and stress.

When I was little, early spring was traditionally a time set aside for celebration of stormy winter's annual departure and of the steady increase in light and warmth all around New England. Much like my late mother's cooking or the press of her hand, I miss that old springtime very much but am well aware that there's a comfort to be found even in knowing it's bound to the past. I recognize that:

• The future is unknown, but we can do our best to prepare for it, as many of us are, bravely and to the best of our ability.
• The present is now, and like any gift it is given with the expectation that we might enjoy it in whatever way we can.

Easier said than done...yet, speaking to the strong and the smart as well as the resilient, I realize that a way forward is possible; into the week ahead and beyond. Here are further proofs of that...

Virtual Care and the Humanization Of Medicine

In a timely article written yesterday, Lloyd Minor makes the following observation:

"The good physician treats the disease;" said William Osler, a pioneer of modern medicine, "the great physician treats the patient who has the disease." That principle has guided physicians for more than a century. But in a health crisis that demands physical distancing and conserving protective equipment, we must now attempt what seems impossible: providing high-touch care to patients while, at times, remaining apart.

Throughout the course of human history, medical progress has often come about only through crucibles faced and insurmountable odds somehow overcome. Previous pandemics have presented the healthcare heroes of enduring fame with problems of immense proportions, with many names such as Lister, Jenner, Fleming and Salk are well known to us.

Even apart from these individuals, we draw inspiration from the discoveries and inventions borne of necessity in an attempt to prevent harm, cure disease, or improve the vitality of the human organism through authentic (and therefore difficult, rigorous and difficult indeed) innovation. Now COVID-19 is, as Minor points out, presenting a crisis with its own variables...the "invisibility" of the threat is, in my opinion, a matter of mere perception...as all around us now lie heaps of unfortunate evidence...casualties ranging from death to poverty.

Yet. There is an opportunity here. An opportunity for medicine on the part of its practitioners to once again prove why we attach hero as the prefix to healthcare. It will not just be in the mobilization of critical personnel and resources nor in the establishment of unconventional but imperative facilities for the purpose of treatment...no, not even in the development of a vaccine.

It will be, it very much is in fact all these things - and the pivot to telehealth is integral as well as, fundamentally, the beauty of Hippocratic poetry heard even on the battlefield.

The Silent Flashpoint: Nikki Bruno's Reminder Is Consolation and Call to Action

"There is another side. You have the power you need."

For anyone facing additional difficulties alongside the usual suspects of COVID-19 related problems, I invite you to read Nikki's article on the subject. You are among the toughest, the most agile and versatile, but you also deserve and have every right to peace and safety.

Expect The Unexpected: Accountability Sizzles

When I first signed on to be a Comms Specialist both for John Hargrave's Project CoCo and ECV (EndCoronaVirus) I did not expect to be using Steak-umm as a demonstrable example of how to validate, verify and curate information (in the words of Zignal Labs). I'm used to the hilarious sarcasm of Wendys and the occasional quirkiness of other big brands, but this was different.

It's worth exploring and could prove oddly informative. In this day and age, it bears noting that information is in abundance, but truth is rarer to encounter. As scrupulous as you are in your PPE usage and your physical distancing protocols, be sure to practice the same due diligence when it comes to how you vet intelligence.

Rutgers Does It Right

Mike Grandinetti said it best:

Very proud of my colleagues at Rutgers University. The entire university came together - from the College of #Engineering to the #RutgersMedicalSchool to front line #medical doctors & interns & the #Makerspace to rapidly design & produce thousands of face shields that are being #3Dprinted & laser cut. Also making #ventilation adapters, aerosol boxes for #intubation procedures, etc.

Folks are having to be all kinds of creative. Ingenuity has never had an issue with a difficulty curve and, in fact, like some thrill-seeking mountain climber, tends to go right for those steep peaks. Good on you Rutgers: Keep up the great work.

Hearts and Minds: A Sage Reminder

In a gentle reminder written with great care, Melanie Sage reminds us of the professionals who serve a crucial support role which occasionally goes underlooked. This should no longer be the case.

The truth is that wellbeing and social support need to be leaned into more than ever before. If we're to make it out of this mess in one piece, it won't just be due to scientific advances and governmental policies. Everyone needs help and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

The Heartfelt and The Homespun: