Extraordinary circumstances have brought out extraordinary responses from members of our USask community. From frontline health-care workers to researchers looking for a solution to this global health threat, there are so many stories about people are working to make our home communities safer and healthy. Here are a few of the inspiring stories of our students, staff, faculty and alumni.
Dr. Hassan Masri (MD), an internal medicine and intensive care unit specialist and associate professor of medicine with the University of Saskatchewan (USask), is hoping to inspire others to be part of the solution.
His tactics? Keeping the public informed.
Masri began posting a series of weekly videos on Facebook as a means of answering frequently asked questions about COVID-19, from an accredited source. His videos have been getting thousands of shares, and he uses to platform to remind others to take care of their health and help flatten the curve.
“The very first video got a lot of attention and people were immediately sharing and asking questions,” said Masri, in a recent interview with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. “So I thought the need was big and, in a time where people are having a really hard time seeing their doctor because clinics have been closed and people are saying ‘Don’t go to the hospital, don’t get to the clinic unless you really need to,’ I thought maybe this is a good venue.”
Masri says he was also concerned about people spreading misinformation, and hopes that the videos help ease concerns.
He’s also using the platform to remind others that there is still work to be done when it comes to flattening the curve.
That means staying home and physically distancing yourself from others, while socially being engaged, Masri told the StarPhoenix.
“As a physician that this is something that cannot be stated enough. And if we said it day and night, it would still not be enough. Because it is so far the 100 per cent most effective way to lessen the impact and to shorten the number of dark days ahead of us.”
Share your stories with us: We are collecting the stories of resilience and good spirit from our USask community. Please send story ideas and photos to news@usask.ca.
As a community it is critical that we support each other and remain respectful during what is a difficult time for all of us. Please follow all guidelines and take all precautions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in our community.
How you can help our students during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://alumni.usask.ca/news/2020/covid-19-how-you-can-help-our-students.php
For the latest developments and information about the University of Saskatchewan's response to COVID-19, please go to www.usask.ca/updates.
The University of Saskatchewan is undertaking critical research and contributing to global efforts to combat COVID-19. The University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO-InterVac) is a world leader in developing vaccines and technologies to combat infectious diseases. Your support of the COVID-19 Research Fund supports the increased efforts of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Donate now.