COVID-19 Research, Patient Care and Nutrition: A Sense of Community

As the world grapples with the continuously growing number of people being infected with SARS-CoV-2, researchers have been working tirelessly to find a potential treatment or cure for Covid-19 and the health care professionals are on the frontlines taking care of those currently affected by the virus.

There are now more than 400,000 confirmed cases in the United States alone, and over one million cases across the globe, with many of the patients being either hospitalized or deceased.

The current situation is putting tremendous pressure on the hospitals and their staff, and many are wondering what they can do to help during these trying times.

Off Their Plate, a non-profit organization started by Natalie Guo, is “a coalition of private citizens, medical students, socially-minded restaurant owners, hospital leaders and the communities around them,” to put it in their words. Their scope is very simple: Provide nutritious meals to the hospital workers on the front lines while saving the jobs of those who have lost or are at risk of losing them.

Raised funds are directed toward local restaurants who in return are now able to re-hire their staff. Off Their Plate then takes orders directly from hospitals, and delivers meals to them under strict sanitary conditions, helping the hospital staff maintain their strength while caring for patients.

Here at Kerafast, giving back to our local and scientific communities has always been an important part of our mission. We contribute to the scientific community by providing some of the research tools that could potentially help accelerate the development of new and validation of existing scientific breakthroughs, as well as by returning a generous portion of our proceeds to the researchers who contribute Reagents for the Greater Good.

Our online reagents catalog includes various research tools to help in worldwide fight against Covid-19, including coronavirus antibodies and a Delta-G-VSV Pseudotyping System from the laboratory of Michael A. Whitt, Ph.D. at the University of Tennessee. The rVSV-ΔG pseudotypes are not only useful in identifying cellular receptors for numerous viruses, but also to evaluate the neutralizing antibody responses following vaccination. In addition, our sister company Absolute Antibody is supporting coronavirus research and therapeutic development with antibody sequencing, engineering and manufacturing services, as well as providing coronavirus antibodies for research and diagnostic uses.

While we strive to support the science during this time of crisis, our team deeply cares about continuing its commitment to also serving other areas in our community where we could be of help. Our team has previously eagerly joined in with charities in the local Boston area, such as Cradles for Crayons and Room to Grow, both with the intention of helping children in need.

We are now happy to contribute to the wonderful cause that Off Their Plate is working on, and we encourage everyone to join us in their support for our remarkable hospital teams. Learn more and donate here.