The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is encouraging Hawaiʻi and other remote islands to flatten the curve of the fast-spreading COVID-19 by having safe and sanitary practices.
NDPTC’s call to action is highlighted in their video, “Just-in Time Training.” The video provides up-to-date information regarding the spread of COVID-19 and the effects it has on medical and local supplies. With community efforts, NDPTC hopes that there will be an increase in personal hygiene and sanitation of high contact areas, in addition to the development of research and outreach activities to help curb the spread of the disease. Pharmaceutical and social solutions are both necessary in flattening the curve.
Through the project, academic, industrial, government and local organizations have come together to share information and critical needs that will better support everyone in the community, especially the first responders and medical personnel on the front lines.
“We all need to do our part in protecting vulnerable populations and promoting collective social actions involving the university and other partners involved in risk assessment, preparedness, response and recovery,” stated NDPTC Executive Director Karl Kim. “It is a complex problem which will require the attention of multi-disciplinary, innovative and resourceful academia, researchers and others in our community.”
NDPTC COVID-19 preparedness tips
Practice non-pharmaceutical interventions now
Rapidly adopt social distancing and avoid places of large gatherings. Stay at home if you are sick or were around someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Thoroughly wash your hands and disinfect high contact areas.
Data is important for planning, decision making and action
Inform officials so practices of quarantine, isolation and social distancing can be implemented. Data is also necessary so additional assets and resources can be deployed to sanitize contaminated areas and inform healthy people.
Look for locally driven resources on social media
Members on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are helping one another by sharing updates on localized supplies and services.
Answer the call to help
Many measures are currently voluntary, but if conditions worsen, the community should be prepared for government intervention to slow infection rates, such as closures of public services. Innovative, effective solutions are always needed in managing information and social actions in slowing the pandemic.
For more information, view the full “Just-in-Time Training” video.
