In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ad Hoc Group has begun publishing an additional weekly update. Keep reading for this week's highlights.
NIH Begins Study to Quantify Undetected Cases of Coronavirus Infection
On April 10, NIH issued a news release detailing a new study to determine how many adults in the U.S. have antibodies against the coronavirus but have not received a COVID-19 diagnosis. National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, MD, noted, “This study will give us a clearer picture of the true magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States by telling us how many people in different communities have been infected without knowing it,” which will inform ongoing public health response efforts.
NIH Researchers Show Evidence of N95 Mask Reusability
An April 15 NIH media advisory describes new data indicating that four methods of decontaminating N95 respirators allow for limited re-use to protect against the novel coronavirus. The preprint article shows that vaporized hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet light exposure, and 70 degree Celsius dry heat are most effective in decontaminating masks previously exposed to coronavirus.
Recent Updates for NIH Applicants and Grantees
On April 13, NIH staff posted an overview of recent COVID-19 resource updates for the extramural research community. The post on the Extramural Nexus links to various existing COVID-19-related activities and resources including webinars, virtual activities, and contingency plans for animal care and use programs.
NIH COVID-19 Resources
NIH COVID-19 resource for applicants and grantees including guidance for various aspects of research and grant application processes, as well as FAQs and COVID-19 funding opportunities.
COVID-19 “Updates History” webpage that details relevant updates for applicants and grantees by date.
FAQ document on COVID-19 flexibilities related to policies and programs affecting the grants process.
HHS COVID-19 awards tracking website including data on awards made by all HHS awarding agencies with supplemental appropriations provided through the first three COVID-19 supplemental packages (Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020; Families First Coronavirus Response Act; and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security [CARES] Act).
ASM COVID-19 Research Registry
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is excited to announce the launch of the COVID-19 Research Registry, a platform curated and vetted by experts in the field of virology and related disciplines to provide immediate access to top COVID-19 research. In the eye of a pandemic, a trusted, up-to-date resource of coronavirus research can play a crucial role in supporting the scientific community on the frontlines fighting the virus. Questions and feedback can be sent to covid19registry@asmusa.org.
ASM also has a COVID-19 resource page with important updates and current information on the coronavirus. ASM journals also are providing free access to more than 50 research articles published over the last year in its 16 scholarly journals and expediting review for submitted papers related to coronavirus, ensuring that new research is quickly made available to the scientific community.