Collection

What's Working in the Global Fight to Contain COVID-19

Solutions Journalism Network

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rising by the day in the United States and around the world, and with the World Health Organization declaring its spread a pandemic, it's difficult to not feel frightened and overwhelmed.  Yet alongside the minute-by-minute news updates about the virus's spread, solutions journalists are on the ground reporting on what's working.

The stories in this collection (see below) explain how social distancing helps "flatten the curve," including lessons learned from the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak; how a "high-tech" device is tracking the coronavirus in "low-resource" countries;  a promising treatment cocktail discovered by doctors in Thailand; and how widespread testing, communication and transparency has helped stem the spread of the virus in several Asian countries.  

A regular dose of solutions journalism stories can help counter fear and anxiety, and you can click here to find more stories on how the world is responding to this pandemic. But equally important, as explained in this NPR story, is how each of us responds as individuals to protect ourselves, and our communities. 

Together, we can keep this virus from spreading.  

Here's how. 

  • Practice social distancing by curtailing all social interaction; canceling organized gatherings; working remotely; switching elbow bumps for handshakes; and keeping a distance of several feet from others whenever possible. 
  • Practice obsessive hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds on a regular basis; washing again after every encounter with a high-traffic area, like a doorknob, subway pole or grocery cart; using a alcohol-based (60 percent) hand sanitizer; avoid touching your face for any reason; and use a tissue to scratch an itch.
  • Finally, if you have a fever, sore throat, cough, or muscle aches wear a mask if you have access to one; isolate yourself; keep washing your hands and avoid contact with others as much as possible until at least two to three days after your symptoms have resolved. 

If you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, profound weakness or confusion, seek medical attention.

Click here for more teaching collections on COVID-19.

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