PROGRESS is being made every day on this crisis. For example, a New York Times article that originally quoted a "dire model" has been updated to say: "Projections based on C.D.C. scenarios show a potentially vast toll. But those numbers don’t account for interventions now underway."
That one sentence makes a big difference - because it changes “endless uncertainty” by hanging a light at the end of the tunnel.
And that’s exactly what scientists, medical experts, researchers, government and private companies and most of all - YOU are doing - to intervene!
I’ve been collecting these lights for the last few days, and thought I’d share some here, some of which are finally starting to circulate in the media:
Scientists in Seattle delivered the first rounds of a potential coronavirus vaccine to several dozen volunteers this week
Industry is taking action around the world. Distilleries and cosmetics companies are switching production to hand sanitizer to donate free to hospitals, schools and high risk communities.
Manufacturers like 3M has put 650 people to work ramping up medical mask output (CNBC) and Ventilator manufacturer Ventec says they can increase production five-fold - to 1000 a month - in a three month period (Forbes).
Johns Hopkins researchers are using antibodies from recovered patients - a longstanding technique - to create new therapies
University of Queensland scientists found two different medications that are currently available completely wiped out traces of the disease in test tubes
Retailers like Safeway, Target, Whole Foods, Walmart and Dollar General are devoting special hours for elderly customers. Major employers worldwide like Facebook, sports leagues and local companies like Wynn Hotels continue to pay their workers. Amazon is even HIRING 100,000 extra people nationwide.
Utility companies and internet providers are waiving limits, fees, payments and cancellations. Local utilities are halting water or electricity shutoffs. HUD, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and local landlords are suspending foreclosures and evictions.
The US Military is mobilizing resources like 5 million masks and 2,000 ventilators and full-scale hospital ships to supplement state and local health services - plus dozens of military research labs.
New cases of the virus in China, South Korea and others have even started to fall - without any new medications or vaccines yet.
It’s important to realize that YOU are a light at the end of the tunnel, too. YOU aren't standing still - doing your part by working from home, minimizing public contact and staying optimistic. All together these efforts are changing those initial computer projections, because they didn’t account for our INDOMITABLE HUMAN SPIRIT to WIN.
Yes, unlike a snowstorm which we know melts after a few days, the finish line for this crisis isn't in sight yet. That’s a huge uncertainty in the darkness.
But there are lights already in the tunnel! History is a series of great victories over adversity by individuals, nations and the world. Or, as someone who lives in Las Vegas, I like to simply say this about humanity:
"Never bet against the house!"