After a few years of ups and downs I was so looking forward to bringing my sons to Europe and meeting up with my sister in Italy.
I watched intently as 4 people tested positive for Coronavirus in the Milan and Bologna region. While we were staying in Rome, I had planned a special surprise for the boys to see the super-car dynamos Ferrari, Pagani, and Lamborghini. A day or two later the number jumped to 150 positive cases.
It was with a very, very heavy heart that I cancelled our trip. As I’d been investigating pasta making classes and potential side trips for months, I couldn’t help but stay riveted to watching what was happening in Italy.
As you know, the story didn’t end there. I’ve watched COVID-19 unfold over the rest of the world and millions of others also be affected by this relentless disease. I’ve compiled these sites to keep abreast of what’s going on and to learn about prevention measures. I hope you find them helpful as well.
- Current Statistics – Worldometer
At Worldometer, you’ll find excellent data tracking of reported coronavirus cases around the globe. You can drill down by country, review information sources, and see charts of the data in real-time. *Click the link for the latest numbers.
- Projections – IHME
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) uses data and modeling to identify the case spread by selected country or state. Additional charts show the number of available hospital beds, ICU beds, and ventilators compared to what it projects are needed.
- Maps – John Hopkins
The John Hopkins University dashboard shows data similar to Worldometer, only in map form. It’s a little more cumbersome to navigate but it’s worth taking the time to look around.
- Videos – MedCram
Medical exam lecturers at MedCram post new YouTube videos each weekday explaining the latest developments, gives micro-biology lessons on the disease, and provides links to all research study and other sources mentioned. Its origins are in helping medical providers study for exams and learn to use equipment, but MedCram knows that lay people are tuning in and Dr. Seheult is excellent at explaining information without dumbing it down.
- Videos – Dr John Campbell
Retired British nurse and medical educator Dr. John Campbell posts daily videos (sometimes multiples each day) reviewing information from medicals sites and papers. Dr. Campbell provides his insight and explains the patterns he sees as well as his concerns for developing countries and the pushes to re-open the economy in certain areas.
- Global – World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) information, statistics, recommendations, and updates can be found on their COVID-19 page.
- Medical – CDC
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides information on symptoms, their guidance, and some of the research efforts underway.
- Medical – FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is where to find information on antibody tests (we took them a few weeks ago), report potentially fraudulent solicitations or claims, and details on approved and pending treatments.
- Medical – JAMA
The Journal of the American Medical Association‘s (JAMA) COVID-19 page links to papers of studies, recommendations, and observations of its members as well as an Outbreak Map and other guidance.
- State Info – Dept of Human Services
Each state has it’s own Department of Human Services website that will advise you of the stay-at-home requirements with links to data on the pandemic and resources available to you. This is the one for my home state of Arizona.
- BONUS: Video – Hand Washing
This video of Dr. Campell (#5 above) showing the proper way to wash your hands was helpful in getting my sons to understand what’s really expected to clean your hands properly.
Need a Lender to Process your PPP application?
The National Bank of Arizona is accepting new customers from any state. They provided me with excellent service when processing my own PPP loan and I’m happy to recommend them.
*If links or information I’ve provided have been helpful to you and you choose to use NB|AZ, please feel free to list me as your Agent on the application. There is no cost to you but I would receive a small commission from the National Bank of Arizona if your PPP loan is funded. Thank you!
