9/22/2020 0 Comments American BioDefense Institute Launches ReOpen America, A Layered Bio-Hygiene Approach for Combating The Socio-Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the U.S.Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar Helps Kick Off the Effort During the Campaign’s Formal Launch In Prescott, ArizonaPrescott, AZ., Sept. 21, 2020,/PRNewswire/ — American BioDefense Institute (A.B.I.) announced today the launch of its ReOpen America campaign, a bipartisan effort to reopen America’s economy, academia, and other elements of U.S. society. The campaign kicked off in Arizona’s 4th Congressional District, a region led by biodefense maverick and U.S. congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (R -AZ).
Since the onset of the pandemic, A.B.I. has joined forces with several members of Congress, state governors, and other federal and local government officials to develop a much-needed strategy for addressing the “new normal” that was brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Their goal was to develop practical options for mitigating the pandemic’s adverse effect on American society and the economy as a whole. “The ReOpen America campaign is modeled after DARPA’s P3 Firebreak strategy for combating pandemics,” said James Mayo, a biosecurity expert, and A.B.I. Fellow. “Our layered approach to a user-friendly, bio-hygienic, strategy for minimizing the impact of this and future pandemics.” Several A.B.I. Fellows attended or sponsored Arizona’s 4th district ReOpen strategy, including Nelly Nastase, author of “Fogging: A Powerful Disinfecting Layer for Biohygiene?” and USA Ambassador of disinfecting fogger manufacturer Cube Atomizer; James Mayo, C.E.O. of S.O.S. Hydration and co-author of “Rehydration Solutions: Use During The COVID-19 Pandemic”; and A.B.I. contributor Christos Daskalakis, C.E.O. of M.F.S. Trade School. The A.B.I. fellows and Congressman Gosar made several stops around Arizona’s 4th district, visiting Chief Dan Doyle, Lake Havasu City Police Department; Haven of Lake Havasu a nursing home service center; Chief Dennis Light of Prescott Fire Station; Maggie Greenwood, executive director of Alta Vista retirement community, and the Prescott location of the US Forest Services. During the tour, Prescott Mayor Billie Orr reiterated, “Here in Prescott, leadership prides itself in a unique opportunity to lead from the front lines.” Congressman Gosar continued hitting home the long term biohygiene message that, “There is no silver bullet solution to solving this pandemic, but we need a Firebreak to get us through this critical time until a viable and tested vaccine can be introduced.” In a recent Newsweek article Dr. Ravi Starzl, of A.B.I., added, “we need some sort of rapid response.” A.B.I. plans to organize similar events in states around the country in the near future. This Arizona tour is part of A.B.I.’s broader efforts to partner with companies who have unique solutions that can improve the health, lives, and safety of Americans during this pandemic. A.B.I.’s mission is to minimize the negative impact of the Coronavirus pandemic while teaching Americans a newer and more evolved standard for healthy living during and after the COVID 19 outbreak. About the American BioDefense Institute The American BioDefense Institute is a Washington, D.C. based Think Tank, dedicated to nonpartisan analysis of U.S. and international biodefense capabilities and strategies, created in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. A.B.I. challenges the conventional boundaries of scientific disciplines by combining expertise in medicine, biology, chemistry, communication, and public policy to provide multidirectional strategies to meet future biosecurity challenges. A.B.I. Fellows represent some of the most accomplished academic and private sector pandemic and biodefense experts in the world. This highly specialized Institute advises the United States Congressional and Federal Agency community on next-generation tools, tactics, and procedures for effective biodefense and pandemic relief, as well as briefing federal stakeholders on the next generation of biological warfare threats. Contact A.B.I.: [email protected] www.americanbiodefenseinstitute.org Support ABI Find out more : https://americanbiodefenseinstitute.org/american-biodefense-institute-launches-reopen-america/
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), most likely spreads through invisible respiratory droplets created when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Those droplets can be inhaled by nearby people or land on surfaces that others might touch, spreading the infection when they touch their eyes, nose, or mouth (Science, 2020).
There is a lot that is not fully known about the new SARS-CoV-2 virus, like how long does it remain active in the air or on surfaces. According to a recent study, the virus remains in the air for up to 3 hours and approximately 2-3 days on stainless steel and plastic surfaces (Van Doremalen et al, 2020). Another study found that a related SARS-CoV-1 virus that causes SARS can persist up to 9 days on non-porous surfaces such as plastic or stainless steel (Kampf et al, 2020). Downloadable Report → Fogging- A Powerful Disinfecting Layer for Biohygeine ? Several reports found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been detected in feces, indicating that the virus can spread by people who don’t properly wash their hands after using the bathroom (Wang et al, 2020). However, the CDC says there is no indication that it spreads through drinking water, swimming pools, or hot tubs (CDC, 2020a). The virus has been found to spread less effectively outdoors due to a variety of factors. Previous research on the relationship between respiratory-borne infectious diseases and temperature have indicated that the ability of SARS and influenza viruses to spread decreased with increasing temperature (Jaakkola et al, 2014; Chan et al, 2011). The underlying hypothesis includes higher vitamin D levels, resulting in better immune responses (Aranow, 2011); increased UV radiation; and school holidays in the summer. Reports of correlation between respiratory diseases and the levels of UV radiation have also been considered, and previous studies have reported that high levels of UV exposure can reduce the spread of SARS-CoV virus (Duan et al, 2003). However, according to the current results, the cumulative incidence rate and R0 of COVID-19 holds no significant association with ambient temperature, suggesting that ambient temperature has no significant impact on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (Yao et al, 2020). This is similar to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) epidemic, where the MERS coronavirus continued to spread even at temperatures of around 45°C (Alshukairi et al, 2018). Measures to minimize airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors include sufficient and effective ventilation, possibly enhanced by particle filtration and air disinfection, avoiding air recirculation, and avoiding overcrowding (Morawska et al, 2020). Fogging is a deep cleaning method that has been used in hospitals for dealing with MRSA. Fogging uses an antiviral disinfectant solution to clean and sanitize large areas of a building quickly and effectively by spraying a fine mist from a spray gun, which is then left to evaporate, usually for less than an hour. It can kill off viruses and other biological agents in the air and on surfaces. The task requires full protection from the sprayed chemicals. The product used is safe on electronics and other equipment as the mist is exceptionally fine to penetrate all areas to kill off the virus effectively. Fogging should be conducted only using products whose product label specifically includes disinfection directions for fogging, fumigation, or wide-area spraying. It means that the product’s safety and efficacy have been evaluated by the EPA, specifically for fogging. Otherwise, the product might not be effective in disinfecting surfaces by fogging (EPA.gov, 2020a). The EPA has been expediting applications to add directions for use with electrostatic sprayers to products intended to kill SARS-CoV-2 (EPA.gov, 2020b). Wet or chemical fogging employs a fine mist of disinfectant solution which remains on surfaces for several hours until it evaporates. Dry fogging, on the other hand, uses smoke to treat the area, leaving no chemical trace behind. The main advantages of fogging are the ability to cover large areas quickly and effectively; the ability to reach areas difficult to clean using other techniques. It eliminates pathogens in the air and on all surfaces, including furniture, walls, and ceilings. The downsides are that it requires a thorough cleaning in advance as dirt and other materials might cover parts of a surface, protecting it from the effects of the biocide spread by fogging; the chemicals used are often more expensive than other disinfectants, and the required amount depends on the size of the space that is being disinfected. However, fogging is cost-effective because it allows the rapid disinfection of large areas with minimal disruption. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be used for non-contact disinfection, where UV-C light is used to kill or inactivate pathogens by damaging their DNA or destroying nucleic acids. UV disinfection is commonly used to treat water – its advantages are lack of chemical agent, ease of use, and low economic cost. The lack of chemical agent means that UV disinfection can be used as often as needed, without any fear of long-term consequences for the operator or the client. However, UV disinfection requires a direct impact of UV radiation for some time – if the light shines indirectly, or is obscured by dirt or something else, the disinfecting effect is lost. Also, prolonged exposure to UV light can be harmful to humans – skin exposure can produce sunburn and skin cancer. In addition, eye exposure can damage the cornea or, in rare cases, the retina, leading to temporary or permanent vision impairment or even blindness. The risk is compounded by the fact that UV light is invisible to the human eye. Therefore, the operation of UV disinfection equipment requires caution. ... https://americanbiodefenseinstitute.org/fogging-a-powerful-disinfecting-layer-for-biohygeine/ 8/21/2020 0 Comments Coronavirus update: Europe, UK strike vaccine deals; antibody therapies on the riseThree of the frontrunners in the global coronavirus vaccine race announced Friday deals for hundreds of millions of doses with European countries, which will add to the demand on an already strained supply chain as the global pandemic rages on. Johnson and Johnson (JNJ) struck a deal for 30 million doses with the U.K. and is collaborating on a Phase 3 trial. The company is also in talks with the European Union to provide 200 million doses. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca (AZN) announced a deal for 400 million doses, and Novavax (NVAX) struck a deal for 60 million doses with the U.K. that also includes collaboration on a Phase 3 trial. By comparison, these same companies have promised 100 million doses (J&J and Novavax, each) and 300 million doses (AstraZeneca) to the U.S. All are in various stages of clinical trials, with AstraZeneca leading with its partnership with Oxford University. ... Read more here : https://sports.yahoo.com/coronavirus-update-europe-uk-strike-vaccine-deals-antibody-therapies-on-the-rise-165032480.html Antibodies could create immunity even before we get a vaccine.
by Antonio Regalado August 3, 2020Nurses and patients in some US assisted living facilities will receive an antibody drug to prevent covid-19 infection, according to drug company Eli Lilly. The drug: Early in the coronavirus pandemic, companies searched the blood of covid-19 survivors for potent antibodies against the novel virus. Eli Lilly’s drug is one of these Y shaped proteins—it’s a natural antibody manufactured at larger scale. The trial: To carry out the study, which will involve 2,400 people, Lilly will work with the National Institutes of Health to target nursing homes with covid-19 outbreaks. In some areas, elderly residents in nursing homes account for the majority of covid-19 deaths. How it works: Just like natural antibodies, Lilly’s antibody should grab onto the virus and block it. Similar antibody treatments proved effective in treating Ebola disease, but the goal here is to prevent infection by giving the drugs earlier. Prevention with antibodies is known to work. There is an antibody shot given to babies that prevents RSV, a respiratory infection striking newborns. ... Read more here : https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/03/1005946/eli-lilly-is-testing-a-way-to-prevent-covid-19-thats-not-a-vaccine/ 8/11/2020 0 Comments GOP Congressman Plans Bill to Speed Up Pandemic Responses, Says Health System 'Caught Flat-footed'Measures to quicken the response to viruses and pathogens with pandemic potential will be laid out to Congress in an act to be introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ).
Gosar, speaking exclusively with Newsweek, said he plans to put forward the bill following the August recess. The proposed legislation would direct the secretary of defense to "carry out a program for the development of rapid and cost-effective medical countermeasures to pandemics." They would be directed to designate a lead within the Department of Defense to implement such a program. The act lays out objectives for actions to be taken upon the discovery of a "virus or other pathogen that may cause pandemic" within 60 days but with a goal to reduce this to 28. These targets would include growing the virus or pathogen in order to identify an antibody or other biological product to target it as part of a "medical counter measure." The aim would then be to develop this to then deliver it to patients within days. ... Read more here : https://www.newsweek.com/pandemic-response-covid-19-coronavirus-rapid-bill-1521934 Learn about a new model for public health during pandemics, as well as Passive Immunity from expert thought leaders in biodefense, politics, sports, and media. Register at theabiforum.org
About this EventJoin CBS News Homeland Security Correspondent Jeff Pegues, Congressman Paul Gosar, The New Orleans Saints all-time leading wide receiver Marques Colston, Executive Director of American BioDefense Institute Dr. Ravi Starzl, Attorney and Veteran advocate John Berry, and IP strategist JiNan Glasgow George for a one of a kind forum hosted by The American BioDefense Institute. Five months ago our health system was put to the test – and was found wanting. All around the globe, hospitals were overwhelmed, and leaders had to cope with an unprecedented and sudden impact on society. In the U.S. alone there have been over 150,000 deaths, tremendous unemployment, and major interruptions in many aspects of American life including business, law, and sports. During the American BioDefense Institute forum, you’ll hear about a new model for public health that can interrupt the current pandemic, while ensuring our health system and society are better prepared for future threats. This symposium will provide expert data from thought leaders on how the pandemic has influenced sports, law, and business, as well as scientific research dedicated to addressing America’s BioDefense. This forum is moderated by the great Jeff Pegues, CBS News Homeland Security Correspondent, featuring: • Congressman Dr. Paul Gosar who will be discussing the latest Congress is doing regarding the pandemic • Dr. Ravi Starzl will dialogue about a new public health model and explain the concept of passive immunity • Marques Colston, the New Orleans Saints all-time leading wide receiver and creator of Columbia Business School’s Executive education program for current and retired NFL players • Attorney John Berry will demonstrate changes to the legal system. • JiNan Glasgow George who will specifically address the pandemic’s influence on American Competitiveness Don’t miss this historical opportunity to hear these great minds work together and address such a vital, immediate, and necessary topic. Register at theabiforum.org Click here for more : https://americanbiodefenseinstitute.org/developing-a-new-model-for-public-health-during-pandemics/ |
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