COVID-19
Information & Resources
A collation of information related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as entertainment and volunteering resources.
Information on the Virus & Mitigation Strategies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information about COVID-19 as well as tips on to respond to this pandemic:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has a series of videos and articles on COVID-19 and how to combat it:
For information about “flattening the curve” and why social/physical distancing helps see this Washington Post story, available to non-subscribers.
Oxford’s Role in Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic
Oxford University Press has made, “content from online resources and leading journals freely accessible to assist researchers, medical professionals, policymakers, and others who are working to address this health crisis.” A comprehensive list of materials is available here.
Center for Evidence Based Medicine (CEBM), which aims to develop, teach and promote evidence-based health care, has created a COVID-19 page to provide up to date information.
The Jenner Institute and Oxford Vaccine Group’s clinical teams are working on a vaccine development effort to prevent COVID-19. Their upcoming vaccine trial, “ will be critical for assessing the feasibility of vaccination against COVID-19 and could lead to early deployment.” Participants for the new vaccine, called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, are being recruited in the Thames Valley area.
Information & Resources for Cloth Face Masks
As the CDC recommends wearing cloth face masks, below are resources on making and wearing cloth face coverings:
Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Tutorials
-
Deaconess, How to Make a Face Mask
-
New York Times, How to Sew a Face Mask
Tips for Making a Face Mask
If you are making cloth face mask, below are tips on their construction from a professional seamstress:
-
Use tightly woven cotton. This makes the mask easier to launder.
-
Use two different patterns for each side of the mask. Having a different pattern helps the wearer remember which side goes against the wearer’s mouth.
-
Cut the fabric on the bias for one side of the mask. This means the weave of the fabric is at an angle. Cutting one side of the mask on the bias helps to “close up” any “gaps” between the weaves of the two sides.
-
Sew the two rectangles together with the elastics in the corners, then iron the fabric pieces together.
-
Iron the pleats into the face masks. Once the pleats have been ironed in, sew in the pleats.
N.B.
-
Hair bands work well in place of elastic from a fabric or craft store
-
If you cannot find tightly woven cotton fabric, items like sheets, pillowcases, or handkerchiefs are generally made out of this material. Check that any household items you use are 100% cotton.
The Washington Post has an informative page dedicated to answering questions about self-made masks.
Volunteering & Donation Opportunities
District of Columbia
DC Medical Reserve Corps (DC MRC)
DC Department of Health (DC Health) is calling for medical and nonmedical volunteers to join the DC Medical Reserve Corps (DC MRC). There is a special need for volunteers with medical experience, but free training will be provided. You can fill out a volunteer form here.
Local Nonprofits Assisting the Vulnerable
School closures are a special concern for families whose children rely on free school meals. The Capital Area Food Bank is adjusting its operations to keep these children and their families fed. Donate here.
First Book is delivering books to the many children who do not have access to the internet at home and can no longer check out books at libraries. Donate here.
Local Businesses Lending a Hand
Medium Rare is delivering free meals to those 70+ in quarantine. With locations in Arlington, Bethesda, and more across the DMV the restaurant is covering the costs and not accepting donations. To put in a request, contact Mail@MediumRareRestaurant.com.
&pizza is donating pies to health workers. If you would like to contribute to the effort and send a pie to a health worker, click here.
Entertainment & Arts Resources
The Walters Art Museum
Baltimore’s Walters Art Museum offers seven millennia of art from cultures around the world — all online. Some of the famous pieces in its collection include “Rubens Vase” by Unknown, “Madonna of the Candelabra” by Raphael, and the “Boston Street Scene (Boston Common)” by Edward Mitchell Bannister. Tour the museum’s extensive digital offerings here.
Recommended Podcasts & Books
Sean Denniston, OUSDC Acting President
-
Bowery Boys, whose hosts promise a “romp down the back alleys of New York City”
-
HUB History, which includes inspirational stories about remarkable people from Boston’s past.
The content of this website is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All users should adhere to their local guidance, ordinances, and protocols.