Everywhere you go, people are talking about the coronavirus. And while concerns continue to mount, there is some good news on the horizon. The COVID-19 vaccine will be ready in April 2020.
Joint Effort
Scientists around the world have been working non-stop to find a solution to the coronavirus outbreak. Thankfully, there have been some major developments in the right direction. Many Chinese research institutions have been collaborating closely, and have created different strains of the vaccine.
They used an open-source platform and shared the genetic sequence of the virus, which is why the progress has been so quick. As expected, that decision prompted other scientists around the world to join in and fight the good fight.
The US-based company, Moderna, has already shipped the vaccine and started human trials. Also, vaccines have been transferred to the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, where they’ll be submitted to further testing. There’s a long way to go, but there are reasons to be hopeful.
Emergency Vaccines
Here’s the thing, the vaccines scheduled for April 2020 were only created in case of an extreme emergency. Chinese authorities will only release them if the threat of the outbreak becomes too great. Since there’s a lot more research to be done, it will take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to make sure the vaccines are up to all the safety standards before being distributed around the world.
Doing What You Can in the Meantime
In case you haven’t heard the latest update, the COVID-19 virus is no longer solely airborne. Scientists have discovered that you can also spread the virus through fecal matter. Yes, it can be transmitted through poop. And this is where the continuous reminder to wash your hands regularly becomes even more important.
Some statistics about how many people don’t wash their hands after they go to the toilet are nothing short of shocking. Certain countries, like China and Malaysia, have reported a significant increase in applying prevention methods when it comes to the outbreak. But until the vaccines are ready for worldwide distribution, the only legitimate action you can take is to maintain high levels of personal hygiene.
What About Traveling?
Between all the travel bans and issued warnings about the COVID-19, traveling seems riskier than ever. If you haven’t made any prior arrangements, you’re fortunate. Because there are many people who booked flights and hotels months ahead and now find themselves in a quandary.
One of the best guidelines you can use is to check with the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make sure which countries are safe and which you should avoid entirely. So far, China, Japan, South Korea, Japan, and Italy have made it on to the list.
There Is Reason for Hope
Waiting for a safe, approved vaccine can test anyone’s patience. But there seems to be a very conscious and global effort to stop the coronavirus outbreak. Good stuff happens when people from around the world join together to make things better. Until then, wash your hands and stop touching your face.
