The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to threaten lives around the world. Caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly contagious virus strain, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in January 2020, less than three months after SARS-CoV-2 was discovered.
The global response to COVID-19, unprecedented in speed and scale, requires everyone to take measures to minimize illnesses and deaths. Because much about the virus remains unknown, keeping current with the latest information about the disease and its spread is a critical part of this responsibility.
The following list compiles COVID-19 resources for communities local to Louisiana, as well as national data and several resources made available by Tulane University, the Tulane School of Social Work, Tulane’s Online Social Work Graduate Programs, and the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Tulane University COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Response & Resources: This hub offers information about Tulane University’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic — from critical research to frontline health care — as well as resources to aid and inform its local community.
On the Front Lines of COVID-19: Faculty, staff, and students in Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine are researching COVID-19 in areas ranging from containment to vaccine development, and providing front-line support in a wide variety of ways. This resource includes faculty expert videos, news items, and resources for students, faculty, and staff.
Tulane Outbreak Daily: Tulane Outbreak Daily is a daily collection of timely and relevant news related to infectious diseases, including COVID-19, compiled by the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Disseminated Tuesday through Friday, Tulane Daily Outbreak provides a curated list of news and research abstracts.
Self-Care Resources: This collection of self-care resources, provided by the Tulane University School of Social Work in partnership with the National Mental Health Innovation Center (NMHIC), includes meditation guides, suggestions for physical activity and social engagement, and recommendations for arts and entertainment. It also includes tips specifically for caregivers, parents, and teachers.
Regional COVID-19 Resources
Louisiana Department of Health, COVID-19: The Louisiana Department of Health’s comprehensive COVID-19-related resources include information about symptoms, guidance on social distancing and quarantine procedures, and specific guidelines for families, healthcare facilities, businesses, and schools. The resource also includes the locations of COVID-19 testing sites and medical monitoring stations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Cases & Deaths by County, Louisiana: The CDC provides data on COVID-19 cases and deaths by geographic region.
NOLA Ready: The city of New Orleans’ emergency preparedness hub offers regular updates on the city’s actions to combat COVID-19, as well as guidelines for individuals and industries. Citizens can use the resource’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard to view case counts, testing levels, and capacity measurements for medical resources (ventilators, hospital beds, ICU beds) in Orleans Parish.
National COVID-19 Resources
CDC, Coronavirus (COVID-19): The CDC provides descriptions of symptoms, information about the outbreak’s spread, and guidance for the public and healthcare providers. Its guidance includes a tool for assessing symptoms and steps to take if you think you might have the virus.
CDC COVID Data Tracker: The CDC’s COVID-19 tracking map displays total cases and deaths in the U.S., as well as state-level rates. Users can view the geographic distribution of cases reported within the last seven days to track new outbreak areas.
National Institutes of Health, Coronavirus (COVID-19): NIH resources include information about COVID-19 research, including clinical trials and research funding. The NIH also issues regular news releases and email alerts related to COVID-19 research.
As scientists race to develop a vaccine and healthcare providers work tirelessly to save lives, everyone can play a crucial role in combating COVID-19 by following safety guidelines. Use these resources to stay informed with the latest information. By taking care of ourselves and each other, we can all contribute to a faster recovery.
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