Tom Hanks Got Sick in Australia, Where Coronavirus Testing Isn't Such a Hassle

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/world/australia/tom-hanks-rita-wilson-coronavirus.html

Damien Cave

The New York Times

12 March 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

As the United States struggles to test all citizens exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus, Australia and Canada are offering lessons about best practices for preparing for a pandemic. Having learned from previous outbreaks, these countries implemented protocols such as a national hotline, easy-access to information about testing sites, and "an agency to coordinate and help finance testing and treatment during any kind of viral or disease outbreak" – all of which help make testing more efficient.

Distilleries using high-proof alcohol to make hand sanitizer

https://apnews.com/e43f2aea014e70abe3de23f9d79df8b1

Lisa Rathke

Michael Rubinkam

Associated Press

17 March 2020

Text / Under 800 Words

Several distilleries across the U.S. are shifting gears from producing beer to instead producing hand sanitizer to play a part in addressing the coronavirus pandemic. Combatting the shortage of the product, while also promoting better hygiene, distilleries are experimenting with recipes based on federal and World Health Organization guidelines and giving the product to patrons as well as donating to charities.

The Surprising Way Durham Distillery is Helping Fight Coronavirus

https://gardenandgun.com/articles/the-surprising-way-durham-distillery-is-helping-fight-coronavirus

Caroline Sanders

Garden & Gun

13 March 2020

Text / Under 800 Words

As restaurants look at a myriad of ways to enhance the cleanliness of their businesses in light of the coronavirus pandemic, a distillery in North Carolina chose to shift their focus from gin-making to making and distributing hand sanitizer. The owners of the distillery are also training neighboring businesses "how to use the solution responsibly," and then donating bottles of the sanitizer after they complete the session.

Galion distillery creates hand sanitizer from high-proof alcohol

https://www.richlandsource.com/news/covid19/galion-distillery-creates-hand-sanitizer-from-high-proof-alcohol/article_e99c5c5e-6c57-11ea-93bd-3f7845a538fd.html

Brittany Schock

Richland Source

22 March 2020

Text / Under 800 Words

Six months ago, a distillery in Ohio had the idea to start making hand sanitizer on-site, but because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus and the FDA changing regulations, the business has now fast-tracked the idea into reality. With only their first batch ready to donate, the distillery has already received over 1,000 requests for deliveries of the sanitizer.

Is Taiwan's impressive response to COVID-19 possible in Canada?

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/taiwan-covid-19-canada-1.5502194

Vik Adhopia

CBC

19 March 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

Although Taiwan and Canada saw the beginning of coronavirus outbreaks within days of each other, Taiwan has been able to better contain the spread. Using tactics such as integrating "its health insurance database with its immigration database" and using the military to help produce protective masks for medical workers, the Taiwanese government's aggressive approach offers lessons in how to use big data and regulations to stem the spread of infectious diseases.

Engineers 3D-print patented valves for free to save coronavirus patients in Italy

https://globalnews.ca/news/6695286/coronavirus-italy-3d-print-valves

Josh K. Elliott

Global News

18 March 2020

Text / Under 800 Words

When a hospital in Italy ran the risk of running out of a medical valve that was necessary to help treat patients suffering from COVID-19, an engineering company stepped in to fill the gap by 3D printing the valve. Choosing "patients over patents," the company was able to mass produce 100 valves – at a fraction of the cost of a regular valve – which have already helped at least 10 patients.

As Coronavirus Looms, Mask Shortage Gives Rise to Promising Approach

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/health/coronavirus-masks-reuse.html

Gina Kolata

The New York Times

20 March 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

As hospitals are forced to reuse protective masks during the coronavirus pandemic, researchers at the University of Nebraska are finding ways to decontaminate the masks, including with ultraviolet light.

Why drive-through testing is such an important tool in the coronavirus fight

https://www.fastcompany.com/90478596/why-drive-through-testing-is-such-an-important-tool-in-the-coronavirus-fight

Kristin Toussaint

FastCompany

18 March 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

Drive-through coronavirus testing sites aren't just safer for all involved, they're also more efficient. Although the limited exposure to hospital personnel and other patients is critical for slowing the spread, drive-throughs, and walk-up tents also allow for more people to be tested at a faster rate by eliminating barriers such as patient intake.

South Korea pioneers coronavirus drive-through testing station

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/02/asia/coronavirus-drive-through-south-korea-hnk-intl/index.html

Sophie Jeong

Ivan Watson

CNN

3 March 2020

Broadcast TV News / Under 3 Minutes

To limit exposure during coronavirus testing, South Korea began piloting drive-thru test sites that allow those being tested to remain in their cars. The drive-thru, which sends results to the patient via text message three days later, has tested nearly 400 people in one day, helping to ease pressure oncovi other testing sites.

Seattle Health Care System Offers Drive-Through Coronavirus Testing For Workers

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/08/813501632/seattle-health-care-system-offers-drive-through-coronavirus-testing-for-workers

Jon Hamilton

NPR

8 March 2020

Radio / Under 3 Minutes

Health care workers at the University of Washington are now able to get tested for coronavirus via a drive-through. Providing both convenience and safety by limiting exposure of the potentially ill, the test only takes five minutes and those tested usually get their results within a day.