The coronavirus crisis is unique. Addressing it will require new ideas, new perspectives, and new voices. That’s our mission at Freethink.
In our daily “Coronavirus News Roundup,” we’re highlighting the most important stories from the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. Stories that inform, challenge, and inspire.
Here are our must reads for today, March 30, 2020.
1. FDA Authorizes CPAP Machines and More as Emergency Ventilator Alternatives
The number of ventilators available at many hospitals is now far fewer than the number needed to treat coronavirus patients. To address the shortage, the FDA has authorized the “emergency use” of ventilator alternatives — Fierce Biotech explains what those might be.
2. Newest Shortage in New York: The City Is Running out of Dogs to Foster
With New York City on lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, many residents have decided now’s the perfect time to adopt or foster a pet. Bloomberg reports that some shelters have seen such an increase in interest, they’re even running out of available animals.
3. U.S. Agencies to Collaborate on Wide-Scale 3D Printing of Ventilator Parts and Medical Supplies
The FDA’s emergency use authorization is just one way it’s attempting to address the shortage of available ventilators and medical supplies in the U.S. Another centers on the 3D-printing of needed parts, according to Fierce Biotech.
4. This D.C. App Will Tell You Which Stores Are Stocked With Toilet Paper, Vegetables, and Other Supplies
A new app is launching that will tell residents of Washington D.C. which stores currently carry the supplies they need, DCist reports — and it could stem the spread of the coronavirus by limiting the number of stores people visit.
5. Y Combinator Startups Turn Resources Toward Coronavirus
More than two dozen Y Combinator startups are pivoting their resources toward fighting the coronavirus outbreak. Freethink talked to a couple of them — and they need your help.
