I just posted this on another Covid-19 discussion, but thought it worth repeating here:
I would like to add that I know first-hand how quickly researchers are responding.
Last week my niece and her research team at the U of Minnesota immediately set aside their long-term stroke research, and within 48 hours applied for and received a grant, and started a study to identify effective treatments to prevent or mitigate Covid-19 in people who are known to be exposed, but are not yet showing severe symptoms. (There are also studies there for developing treatments for the currently infected, developing a vaccine, and quickly making basic ventilators from readily available supplies, among others.) The teams are working round-the-clock to find answers, while putting their own lives on hold and relying on family & friends to care for their kids.
But we need to understand the process - postulate, experiment, test for effectiveness, repeat until an effective treatment is found, test for safety, apply for & receive approval, produce & disseminate.
This is not instantaneous, which is why it is so important to do all we can to slow the spread. And to not jump to conclusions based on early anecdotal reports of "breakthrough" treatments.
For the immediate future, our most effective treatments are distance or isolation, good sanitation and staying home (as in do not travel unless truly necessary - why I am still in South Texas instead of home with my family.)
Please everyone, take this seriously and stay safe.
Sue