Encouraging Coronavirus Data and Uplifting Local Support

It might be hard to imagine what life was like before the coronavirus pandemic put us in our current situation. At the same time, looking for the positives can be the encouraging push we all need to stay strong through such an uncertain time.

Coronavirus Testing

As of May 18^th, 271,849 people in Ohio have been tested for Coronavirus. With only around 10% of these tests being positive, we are still well below the U.S. average. We have tested over 100,000 more people since the first of the month and with each passing day, we increase the amount tested.

In any event, testing the public helps scientists understand the virus better and can lead to a faster cure. With this in mind, there are options and multiple centers to receive a test.

Below are a list of local centers providing drive-thru testing:

• ROOSEVELT PARK. (Melanie Valerio Olympic Dr., Campbell). (724)-734-5235.
• CANFIELD FAIRGROUNDS. (Canfield). (724)-734-5235. (330)-759-0085
• RITE AID. (713 North State Street, Girard). (330)-545-8414.

Vaccine and Medication

Moderna Inc. has been experimenting with a vaccine to immunize coronavirus. Although in the early testing phase, the vaccine is providing positive results. In the final analysis, they will need to narrow down the dosage and begin testing that specific amount in July. Per the U.S. government’s project ‘Operation Warp Speed’, the idea is to have a vaccine and 300 million doses by January 2021.

While scientists are still testing out different vaccines, a new clinical trial testing a combination of medication shows promising results. Interferon beta-1b, lopinavir-ritonavir, and ribavirin, combined with standard care, has proven to treat mild to moderate symptoms of the coronavirus.

Professor at the University of Hong Kong, Kwok-Yung Yuen, lead the researchers in this 41 day clinical trial. They found that the control group’s symptoms lasted almost twice as long as those given the combination of medication.

Not Out of the Woods

Wendy Zukerman, host of the podcast Science Vs., interviewed multiple elite scientists and researchers for her episode “Coronavirus: When Will It End?”.

Dr. Swapnil Mishra, part of the Imperial College Covid-19 Response Team, and his colleagues created models based around what is known about the pandemic. These models show the estimated death toll when no action is taken. Prior to receiving said models, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, changed the countries pandemic response.

Now Dr. Mishra and his colleagues are taking a different approach; to predict the finality of this disease. After pushing Dr. Mishra to estimate a deadline of extreme precaution, Wendy finally received the answer:

“This is just what I think, we might have to be under a lot of measures at least until June. At the least, it is not at most, it is at least”

Dr. Swapnil Mishra

Helping Hands

On the positive side, many residents and organizations surrounding our area have been gracious enough to lend a helping hand to those in need. Even with the recent reopening’s, many Ohio residents are still out of work and unable to afford groceries for themselves and their families. The following organizations are hosting food drives this month:

• SHENANGO VALLEY MALL. (Hermitage). Tuesday, May 19^th, 4-6 pm.
• THE OASIS FOOD MINISTRY. (Columbiana). Thursday, May 28^th, 3-6 pm.
• THE SALVATION ARMY. (Warren). Friday, May 29^th,

In addition to the above food drives, many food giveaway and pantry organizations are available around the area. Since some pick up locations differ, always call ahead for more information:

• AUSTINTOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH. (Austintown). Every Wednesday and 4^th Saturday of every month, 8:30-10:30 am.
• BIG REACH CENTER OF HOPE. (Greenford). Every Friday, 9 am-3 pm. (330)-533-3278, ext. 503.
• BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF YOUNGSTOWN. (Youngstown). Every Wednesday, 2-3 pm and 5-6 pm. (330)-782-2714.
• BROOKFIELD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. (Brookfield). Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 am-12 pm. (330)-448-1001.
• COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY HEALTHIER PANTRY. (Lisbon). Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 8 am-4 pm. Every Wednesday and Friday from 12-4 pm. (330)-424-4013.
• MAHONING COUNTY DISTRICT ST. VINCENT DEPAUL SOCIETY. (Youngstown). Every Monday through Friday, 9 am-1 pm. (330)-333-3601.
• RUST CITY CHURCH. (Hermitage). Every Monday, 5 pm.
• RUST CITY CHURCH. (Niles). Every Thursday, 5 pm.
• SALVATION ARMY OF MAHONING COUNTY. (Youngstown). Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 am-12 pm. (330)-270-5999.
• SALVATION ARMY, WARREN CORPS. (Warren). Every Monday – Friday, 10-11 am, and every Monday – Thursday, 1-2:45 pm. (330)-392-1573
• WARREN FAMILY MISSION FOOD PANTRY. (Warren). Every Tuesday – Friday, 9:30 am-12 pm and 1-3 pm. (330)-394-5437.
• YOUNGSTOWN COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER. (Youngstown). Every Tuesday. 9-11 am. (330)-746-8436.
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