[custom_adv] The coronavirus disease COVID-19 is a global pandemic. We are experiencing the worst public health crisis in a generation. Are you representing an initiative that can improve the situation? For the sick, for the healthcare system, or for the billions of people whose lives are - or soon will be - affected? If so, let us support you. [custom_adv] actionagainstcorona.org gathers initiatives, partners, volunteers and talent. It connects initiatives with grants or investments. Ideas, projects and startups that do the most important work in the world right now get exposure. We want to increase the likelihood of success, and mitigate the damage caused by this global crisis. [custom_adv] As the number of coronavirus cases across the US continues to grow, everyone from restaurant owners and musicians to the elderly and those with chronic illness have been affected. [custom_adv] On Tuesday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 4,226 confirmed cases, including 75 deaths. For the people who are able, there perhaps has never been a more important time to give to those in need. [custom_adv] In an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, governors in at least nine states have announced the closure of eat-in restaurants and bars, while local officials have made sweeping bans on large gatherings. [custom_adv] Dozens of well-known restaurants have opted to wait out this virus behind closed doors. Others are still open, and are asking the community to support them by ordering pick-up or delivery, and making sure to tip the staff as much as they can. [custom_adv] Canlis, a fine-dining hotspot in Seattle, temporarily converted its restaurant into a drive-in burger eatery, bagel shed and family meal delivery service. Jessica Powers, spokeswoman for the restaurant, said the response from the community had been amazing. She encouraged anyone who wants to support the restaurant, but doesn’t want this more casual dining experience, to buy a gift card and make future bookings. [custom_adv] The arts sector has also been hit especially hard, with a wide array of performances and concerts canceled across the country. Theaters and orchestras are encouraging people who have tickets to a canceled performance to not ask for a refund and even consider donating further to the organization. [custom_adv] There are plenty of groups and organizations helping those negatively impacted by coronavirus. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy recommends directing donations to free clinics in areas hit hardest by the outbreak, and also contributing to supplies of protective equipment and educational outreach initiatives about the virus. [custom_adv] Those people who were already vulnerable before the outbreak will probably feel its effects hardest and longest, so the center recommends contributing to food banks. But try not to just make it a single donation, as the impacts of this outbreak will probably be felt long into the future. [custom_adv] With thousands of blood drives across the country canceled because of the outbreak, the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers announced on Tuesday that the US is facing a “severe blood shortage”. The organizations encouraged anyone who is healthy and eligible to give blood or platelets, to make an appointment to donate through the Red Cross. [custom_adv] Even though it came quickly and unexpectedly, the crisis has already had a major impact on public health and the economy. From 3D printing valves for the need of the hospitals and free services to support the impacted people to various learning courses and platforms to facilitate the remote working, startups have been wholeheartedly offering free or substantially discounted services and products to help. [custom_adv] Just act quickly and remember that even a simple app that would encourage the citizens to adapt more easily to the changed conditions can mean the world to somebody, not to mention the role that the healthtech startups play amid these predicaments. [custom_adv] Many European tech and startup communities have been serving as role models to the world for decades. Now is the time to strengthen the ties more than ever and collectively undertake initiatives in support of crisis management.
