In these unprecedented and challenging times, we find ourselves having to completely change our lifestyles in order to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS COV-2). Institutions, companies and individuals across the globe are joining efforts to tackle the disease the virus causes (known as COVID-19) and to help in the research of the psychological, social and economic impact that this pandemic can have, as well as the necessary potential cures and vaccines. While smoothly migrating to online teaching, universities are playing a key role both in research laboratories as in policy consultancy. The WHO commissioned Imperial College to create a special report which has been decisive in the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions.
King’s College London, which hosts UNAM-UK, has been on the frontline supporting the NHS through its three hospitals –Guy’s, St. Thomas’s and KCH—, all situated in the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark, two of the hardest hit areas in London. All three have been set up as COVID-19 hubs. KCL has offered its facilities to the NHS for diagnose, test and response through its medical, pathology and microbiology laboratories, and accommodation for NHS staff in student residences. KCL’s simulation centre offers training in critical care for registered nurses.
King’s researchers, scientists, academics and clinicians are working as fast as they can to find solutions and to understand the scope of the psychological, social and economic impact of this global crossroads. It is currently running over 50 related research projects, including those related to developing new ventilators; new diagnostics and therapeutics; dissecting the immune response to the virus; the economic impact of COVID-19; public behaviour changes; and many others.
Quite early on, KCL clinical academics were released from normal responsibilities so they, along with medical students and final year nursing students could contribute during the emergency. Many have joined the NHS’s volunteer programme.
KCL has also made available an updated guidance on staying at home and self-isolating when necessary https://www.kcl.ac.uk/coronavirus.
In Mexico, UNAM created a special COVID-19 commission (Comisión Universitaria para la Atención de la Emergencia Coronavirus) with leading experts in the topic that are continuously observing the situation in order to make appropriate decisions (https://bit.ly/2xQFKvm). In addition, three initial groups focusing in different relevant fields have been formed, one in healthcare matters, other in supplies and instrumentation and the third one focused in the environmental impact that this pandemic could bring. The groups in their expertise area are carrying efforts to support the healthcare system in Mexico with the implementation of diagnosis techniques and tests in hospitals, as well as offering training for lab staff who have the equipment and personal to carry out tests for the detection of the virus. Experts are also working on the design and prototyping of face masks, thermometers and valves for ventilators, etc. Research is also being focused in the relationship of this pandemic on the environment (climate, water, air, ground) and its effects on plants, wildlife and humans. UNAM is offering different services for society in general, including a diagnose centre in Mexico City for testing for SARS-CoV-2. They have also announced the will be opening another centre in Morelos (more info and details at https://bit.ly/3bZ6hpg).
On the academic side, our university has also made available additional virtual classrooms (https://bit.ly/34gp7Wf), for a total of over 11 000 to ensure academic commitment remains ongoing remotely. In order to support and encourage society to stay at home, UNAM is offering a wide range of activities that can be done at home to help with the isolation and promote cultural and healthy indoor activities. These activities are available via Cultura UNAM and can be found on their website (www.culturaunam.mx) and in this program https://bit.ly/2UOQjIy. We will also be sharing some of their activities daily, so follow us on our social media platforms. While we need to remain physically distant, social distancing does not mean disconnection.
In terms of supporting the students during this pandemic, KCL has continue delivering online teaching as well as support for staff and students that are struggling during these difficult times.
It is important to stay informed and contribute with what is in our reach to help overcome this pandemic. Looking after each and taking care of our mental health is extremely important, as well as following governments and experts’ advice.