COVID-19 Updates from the Fairbanks School of Public Health
FSPH scientists determine the death rate for COVID-19 in the general population
Using the results of the first U.S. statewide random sample study of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, researchers were able to calculate the first generalizable infection fatality rate (IFR) for COVID-19 by age, race, ethnicity and sex.
Because many COVID-19 deaths occur among residents of nursing homes, this study was the first to determine the probability of death from the SARS-CoV-2 infection among people not living in institutions like nursing homes or prisons. Read the paper in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Nir Menachemi shared more about this publication with an op-ed in The Conversation.
FSPH researchers urge modernizing public health system to avoid future COVID-19 shortfalls
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the holes in public health systems across the U.S., IUPUI researchers outline in a new piece published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
In the scholarly article, researchers and public health leaders from the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI, the Regenstrief Institute, the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Marion County Public Health Department call for the modernization of local and state public health systems, as well as the national system, and outline their recommendations.
Professor Ross Silverman: Vaccine mandates vs. religious beliefs – the legal arguments for the upcoming coronavirus lawsuits
The longer COVID-19 rages on, the more the United States appears to be hanging its hopes on the development and rapid, mass distribution of a vaccine.
Getting a safe and effective vaccine out to the public could be a game changer, health experts believe. But stopping the virus’s spread will only happen if enough people choose – or are required – to get vaccinated.
But while some people may see it as their “patriotic duty” to get vaccinated, others won’t.
IUPUI, Indiana Department of Health statewide COVID-19 study to start 3rd phase of testing
Statewide testing for the third phase of a collaborative COVID-19 study by the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI and the Indiana Department of Health begins Sept. 29.
Phase 3 study participants will include individuals age 5 and older who were selected randomly. Invited participants received a text message, a phone call and a postcard notifying them of their selection and encouraging them to schedule testing at a designated walk-up testing site.
This is the first time the study has included children.
Decision 2020: FSPH researchers contribute COVID-19 knowledge to the gubernatorial discussion
Cities and states today face significant issues and their elected officials have considerable latitude in addressing those issues.
In Indiana, the 2020 gubernatorial and legislative elections will determine how the state pursues policies in education, infrastructure, taxation, health care, environmental policy, and much more. These policies affect us in meaningful and sustained ways on a daily basis. In order to cast an informed vote, citizens must understand what the issues are, the candidates’ approaches to those issues, and the legal and political systems within which they must make their preferred policies work.
Fairbanks School of Public Health Professor Ross Silverman explores the issues related to health care access, cost, and outcomes that are impacting Hoosiers, and makes recommendations for access to care, public health and prevention, health equity, and chronic illness.
Currently, no consistently agreed upon school reopening strategy exists, nor does any consistently defined criteria on COVID-19 transmission levels within a community to guide campus-level decisions. Dr. Joshua Vest and Lindsey Sanner assess the options for K-12 education in 2020 and beyond.
The Problem Podcast: Understanding the Spread
At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a lot that we didn’t know about the spread of the virus. How many people in Indiana had had it? How many who had it showed no symptoms? What percentage of cases were being identified by testing? How many more did we not know about?
All of these pieces of information would help our state government and our health systems get a better understanding of the epidemiology of COVID-19, but that information doesn’t come from thin air.
In this episode of The Problem from the Regenstrief Institute, Nir Menachemi discusses the random sample study.
COVID-19 Digital Collection Project
IUPUI University Library has gained a reputation across the State of Indiana for supporting local community organizations in the development of digital collections. Making these digital collections available online provides opportunities for the creation of new stories. Continuing on that tradition, the library is launching a project to create the digital collection “IUPUI Community: Documenting Life During the Pandemic.” This collection aims to document the impact that the Coronavirus pandemic has made to the daily lives of people affiliated with IUPUI (students, staff, faculty). Creating and making available this digital collection would provide researchers with a visual documentation of the challenges faced by the IUPUI community during this time. By sharing your images, you can help shape how future generations will understand these events.
Fall 2020 COVID-19 Mitigation Testing for Students, Faculty & Staff
A robust testing program is vital for maintaining the health and safety of the IU community during the ongoing pandemic. Throughout the semester, students, faculty and staff will be selected for mitigation testing. It's vital that, if selected, you participate so we can continue to actively manage the pandemic and keep our IU community as safe as possible.
FSPH Experts in the News: COVID-19 (August 30 - September 25, 2020)
- COVID-19 continues to be a public health threat
Telemundo Indy, September 22, 2020 | Gerardo Maupomé - Indy's college basketball bubble would need to mimic NBA's, IUPUI epidemiologist says
IndyStar, September 21, 2020 | Thomas Duszynski - Ball State University adds quarantine/isolation info to COVID-19 dashboard
The Muncie Star Press, September 17, 2020 | Thomas Duszynski - COVID-19 On Campus
WFYI's All In, September 17, 2020 | Brian Dixon - Is it safe for IU students to study in indoor public spaces? Experts say be careful.
Indiana Daily Student, September 16, 2020 | Thomas Duszynski - Dining out linked to positive COVID-19 infections
WISH TV, September 11, 2020 | Brian Dixon - Potential ‘superspreader’ events like Sturgis Motorcycle Rally best to avoid, expert says
Chicago Tribune, September 11, 2020 | Thomas Duszynski - Coronavirus is hundreds of times more deadly for people over 60 than people under 40
The Conversation, September 10, 2020 | Nir Menachemi - It’s Not Easy to Get a Coronavirus Test for a Child
The New York Times, September 8, 2020 | Nir Menachemi - Indiana has passed 100,000 cases of the coronavirus. Here's what that means.
IndyStar, September 7, 2020 | Brian Dixon & Thomas Duszynski - Figures illustrate virus's progress
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, September 6, 2020 | Brian Dixon - 'There is no playbook' on how to handle what we all have: pandemic fatigue
IndyStar, September 4, 2020 | Thomas Duszynski - Vaccine mandates vs. religious beliefs – the legal arguments for the upcoming coronavirus lawsuits
The Conversation, August 31, 2020 | Ross Silverman
Share Your Story
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a myriad of public health efforts that can easily go unnoticed. If you have volunteered, worked on a project, conducted research, or completed any unique effort related to COVID-19, and would like to share it with the Fairbanks School of Public Health, we would love to hear from you.
The impact you make goes far and can inspire others!
Students: How Can We Support You?
The best part of our school is you. Each of you chose public health and health administration because you wanted to make a difference in the world. We hope you will take a minute to let us know how we can support you during these unprecedented times.
View Previous Issues of This Newsletter
This is the fourth issue of our COVID-19 update newsletter. Previous issues of our newsletter are available on our website.
If you believe you have COVID-19
IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free Coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings using the IU Health Virtual Visit app. Staffed 24/7 with IU Health physicians, advance practice providers and registered nurses, the clinic will screen patients from home, potentially eliminating the need to visit physician offices, urgent cares or emergency departments.
