CFIC Calls for National Day of Science for Covid-19
In the interests of supporting science, rationalism and Critical Thinking to participate in a National Day of Science for Covid 19. On Saturday March 28, we are calling on all Canadians to celebrate science and recognize the scientists who are working tirelessly to:
- stop the spread of Covid-19 by recommending appropriate self-isolation and social distancing measures;
- develop treatments and scientific testing;
- and end the diseases through the development of a vaccine.
The National Day of Science will support Canadians who want more action than the “National Day of Prayer and Fasting to minimize the effects of the coronavirus and pray for revival and harvest in Canada” being held on the same day.
The National Day of Science came about when Prime Minister Trudeau expressed gratitude to Canadians for “Trusting in Science.” We are now asking that you demonstrate this trust by participating in the National Day of Science.
Gus Lyn-Piluso, president of the Centre for Inquiry Canada is working from home and cheering on scientists in Canada and around the world. “From the doctors and nurses who are caring for people with the disease, to the scientists behind the scenes who are researching the ways we can stop the spread of the disease, treat the disease and end the disease, we at CFIC say “thank you.” We are behind you 100%.”
You can be involved by sharing evidence-based information, privately or publicly, by social media, by telephone, or by shouting across the 2 metres between you and the next closest person. You can also take this opportunity to share your thanks to healthcare workers who are helping us get through this crisis, and to the scientific researchers and technologists who are working towards longer term solutions. We invite you to use the hashtag #nationaldayofscience.
SUGGESTED EVIDENCE BASED COVID 19 LINKS
According to the World Health Organization , there are (as of 26 March)
465,915 case confirmed worldwide, including 21,031 deaths.
199 countries have reported cases.
(Click here to see the WHO’s COVID-19 Situation Dashboard)
In Canada: 4403 cases have been reported, with 39 deaths
Canada public health
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
(This page also provides a “Virtual Assistant” to help you navigate to the specific information you are looking for.)
Provincial/territorial public health
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
We also invite people to check out their local municipal/regional public health information.
Some trusted media outlets have removed their paywalls for coronavirus-related info:
For those who like to get information through podcasts:
- CBC’s The Dose has relevant and current information about Covid-19 and related issues –
- The US National Public Radio provides a Corona Virus Daily Podcast
Some images:
(please feel free to add more shareable images in the comments)
National day of Prayer? What a waste of time and energy. Far better to sanitize your hands than fold them in prayer.
Let us forget about ancient beliefs and use 21 century science to face the virus
CENTER OF CULTURES
Rep. of Ghana, West Africa
How to talk to your child about corona virus (COVID-19)
8 tips to help comfort and protect children
Talking to your children about corona virus
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you’re hearing about corona virus disease (COVID-19) right now. It’s also understandable if your children are feeling anxious, too. Children might find it difficult to understand what they are seeing online or on TV – or hearing from other people – so they can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness. But having an open, supportive discussion with your children and their friends can help them understand, cope and even make a positive contribution for others.
1. Ask open questions and listen
Start by inviting your child to talk about the issue. Find out how much they already know and follow their lead. If they are particularly young and haven’t already heard about the outbreak, you may not need to raise the issue – just take the chance to remind them about good hygiene practices without introducing new fears.
Create a safe environment and allow your child to talk freely. Speak with them when you’re having breakfast or dinner, or while playing their favourite game. Try to keep the conversation open and light.
Please don’t minimize or dismiss their concerns. Be sure to acknowledge their feelings and assure them that it’s natural to feel scared about these things. Demonstrate that you’re listening by giving them your full attention, and make sure they understand that they can talk to you and their teachers whenever they like.
Let them know that their friends may not have all the information or may give them wrong information.
2. Be honest: explain the truth in a child-friendly way
Children have a right to truthful information about what’s going on in the world, but adults also have a responsibility to keep them safe from distress. Use age-appropriate language, watch their reactions, and be sensitive to their level of anxiety.
If you can’t answer their questions, don’t guess. Use it as an opportunity to explore the answers together. Website of the World Health Organization and other are great sources of information. Explain that some information online isn’t accurate, and that it’s best to trust the experts.
3. Show them how to protect themselves and their friends
One of the best ways to keep children safe from corona virus and other diseases is to simply encourage regular hand washing. It doesn’t need to be a scary conversation. You can make learning fun by singing along to a hand washing song or any fun song that your child like to sing as you teach them how to wash their hands.
You can also show children how to cover a cough or a sneeze with their elbow, explain that it’s best not to get too close to people who have those symptoms, and ask them to tell you if they start to feel like they have a fever, cough or are having difficulty breathing.
4. Offer reassurance
When we’re seeing lots of troubling images on TV or online, it can sometimes feel like the crisis is all around us. Children may not distinguish between images on screen and their own personal reality, and they may believe they’re in imminent danger. You can help your children cope with the stress by making opportunities for them to play and relax, when possible. Keep regular routines and schedules as much as possible, especially before they go to sleep, or help create new ones in a new environment.
If you are experiencing an outbreak in your area, remind your children that they are not likely to catch the disease, that most people who do have corona virus don’t get very sick, and that lots of adults are working hard to keep your family safe.
If your child does feel unwell, explain that they have to stay at home/at the hospital because it is safer for them and their friends. Reassure them that you know it is hard (maybe scary or even boring) at times, but that following the rules will help keep everyone safe.
5. Check if they are experiencing or spreading stigma
The outbreak of corona virus has brought with it numerous reports of discrimination around the world, so it’s important to check that your children are neither experiencing nor contributing to bullying, especially if they have a common old.
Explain that corona virus has nothing to do with what someone looks like, where they are from or what language they speak. If they have been called names or bullied at school, they should feel comfortable telling an adult whom they trust.
Remind your children that everyone deserves to be safe at school. Bullying is always wrong and we should each do our part to spread kindness and support each other.
6. Look for the helpers
It’s important for children to know that people are helping each other with acts of kindness and generosity.
Share stories of health workers, scientists and young people, among others, who are working to stop the outbreak and keep the community safe. It can be a big comfort to know that compassionate people are taking action.
7. Take care of yourself
You’ll be able to help your kids better if you’re coping, too. Children will pick up on your own response to the news, so it helps them to know you’re calm and in control.
If you’re feeling anxious or upset, take time for yourself and reach out to other family, friends and trusted people in your community. Make some time to do things that help you relax and recuperate.
8. End the conversations with care
It’s important to know that we’re not leaving children in a state of distress. As your conversation wraps up, try to gauge their level of anxiety by watching their body language, considering whether they’re using their usual tone of voice and watching their breathing.
Remind your children that they can have conversations about anything, no matter how tough it may seem – at any time. Show them that you care, you’re listening and that you’re available whenever they’re feeling worried.
we all need to fight….