From the front lines

It's been 3 weeks since the world I knew changed. 3 weeks since schools were closed and the shelter-in-place orders came for the Bay Area. For many, this period has been something of a shock, leaving them filled with anxiety about the unknown.

In all of this, Grey and I have been hard at work. Being a part of the biotech industry, our company has been open and working to supply those on the front lines of the infectious disease community with the tools they need to characterize this virus. We've watched the number, seen the statistics, had access to all the data that is being shared across the globe as so many researchers work tirelessly to find answers to SARS-CoV-2.

And in this, we've also heard the stories of those on the front lines in the hospitals. The lack of PPE and the scariness of knowing that the majority of those who walk into a hospital will likely not walk out again.

Here's what we know about SARS-CoV-2: though it's not rapidly mutating, it's still highly infectious. We know that most diagnoses are coming 2-3 weeks after infection. We know that we don't have an accurate understanding of infection rates as we're not broadly testing. But most scary of all, it's not the virus that is killing people but their immune system. That for most, the infection will result in a predictable immune response, but where it gets deadly is when the immune system becomes hyperactive, attacking not only the virus but also the individual. That people are dying because the cellular system meant to protect them against getting sick is actively attacking them. And that we still don't have an answer for why. Meaning that we can't determine who will survive infection vs. not.

Given this, there's so many reasons to lose hope in this period. All the assumptions about safety and givens are gone, leaving many lost. And the truth is, even when we come out the other side of this, there's likely going to be more hardship with a pending recession and many without employment.

But oddly enough, despite all the bad, I've also been witnessing so much good. During meetings and conversations, I hear about what my colleagues in my company, as well as other researchers around the world, are doing and discovering. They are freely sharing their research with a singular goal of finding a cure and vaccine. So many biotechs have started partnering, making sure that tools, materials, and people needed to advance the research are provided, often through donations.

Then there's what I've been seeing in my community: the neighbors who leave each other meals and notes, practicing social distancing but making sure no one is isolated. Being at home with Maddy and Teddy, learning first hand about how remote learning is being delivered and being a part of an effort that though messy is working to continue education. Witnessing first-hand the kindness at grocery stores where people are thanking the service workers for their bravery so that grocery stores, gas stations, medical clinics, and other essential businesses can remain open.

All of it a constant reminder that even when things seem dark, the light has a way of shining through.

It goes without saying that one day we'll all be looking back on this. So the question is, how do all of you want this part of history to be remembered? Will this be what you consider one of the darkest periods in your life? Or do you want to be part of the light I see shining from so many?

If the latter, but you don't know where to start, I have a shortlist of how to contribute (and I welcome other suggestions).

• People need face coverings. Did you know you can sew your own? Did you know these can be donated to the medical community?
• Speaking of donations, donate blood. The need right now is great.
• Outside of the hospitals, people are struggling with isolation. Find creative ways to connect, whether it be digital (video conferencing, email, texting, etc) or through more classical methods of notes, letters, or simply knocking on doors and having loud conversations at a good distance.
• Smile at someone. 
• If you can afford it, pay your babysitter, housekeeper, lawn service, etc. 
• If you know someone who is currently unemployed, offer to help with all things that come with it. Resume writing is a drag and LinkedIn can be intimidating. Help make the process less painful.
• Three words: virtual happy hours/coffee breaks. The one rule is to talk about anything other than COVID-19. I recommend silly hats too.
• Have you heard about the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Morning MediOceans? I just found these and am already a huge fan. 
• Plant something. Climate change is real people and plants are key to our survival. Plus getting your hands dirty can be insanely therapeutic.
• Volunteer. 
• Want to learn more about COVID-19? Despite the misinformation, there's a ton of good information too. This presentation by Dr. Michael Lin is really good. GenomeWeb is a good resource for learning about what industry is up to. And then there are all the publications, which I've been working my way through. Learn something useful and spread that information broadly.
• Support local by buying gift cards.

And finally, as hard as all of this is, please keep distancing. Resist the urge to be around others. It's hard, I know. I know because I feel it too. But the things in life worth doing are often hard and the data is starting to come in (remember I mentioned a 2-3 week delay) showing that we're flattening that curve. So keep it up. Because for each day that passes, the chances for this virus spreading like wildfire decreases, allowing our medical system to manage while reducing mortality rates. Flattening the curve matters.

In the meantime, Grey and I can both promise you we'll continue to work hard. Though we aren't directly on the front lines, so many we know and care about are. And that alone is enough reason to continue the push to get to the other side. Help us by doing your part to push too.