In a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers from China surveyed 1,257 health care workers in 34 hospitals from January 29, 2020, to February 3, 2020, in China who were directly involved in caring for patients with covid-19. Healthcare workers experienced profound psychological burden caring for these patients: 50.4 percent had symptoms of depression, 44.6 percent had anxiety, 71.5 percent reported symptoms of psychological distress. Nurses, women, and frontline healthcare workers reported more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress compared to those who were either not on the frontlines nor those directly involved in patient care. Inhabitants of Wuhan were particularly affected. Will New York City become the next Wuhan?

At this point, it is too soon to say. However, that hasn't stopped researchers from forecasting possible scenarios. A recent preprint in medRxiv used complex mathematical modeling to determine the impact of social distancing on curbing the SARS-nCov-2 pandemic. The model showed that a one-time intense effort to social distance may not be enough to lower the amount of covid-19 in the U.S such that healthcare providers would be adequately able to continue to treat critically ill patients. The authors predict that there could be a lull in the summer, but that a second wave in the Fall and Winter could be in the offing. Social distancing without other interventions could push the pandemic into 2022. While this preprint manuscript has not been peer-reviewed, it shows that we need to continue to think of strategies in addition to social distancing that can help end the pandemic.

After six days of negotiations, the U.S. Senate finally passed the third piece of covid-19-related relief legislation before midnight last night. The relief package comes with a $2 trillion price tag. The legislation includes direct cash payments to American of up to $1,200 (with additional money for children), the extension of unemployment benefits to gig workers and freelancers, nearly $1 trillion in loans to various businesses, healthcare resources to hospitals, suspended student loan payments, and finally, the ability of the government to take an equity stake in airlines. A vote in the House is expected for Friday and will head to the President's desk following passage there. New York Times.

The FDA recently announced clinical trials that will study the use of "convalescent plasma" to treat severe or life-threatening covid-19 infections. Convalescent plasma is plasma (the yellow liquid component of blood that contains blood cells) donated by patients who have recovered from a covid-19 infection. The hope is that the plasma from these patients will contain circulating antibodies that will help the recipients fight off active infections. Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City was identified yesterday as a major institution undertaking this therapy. Physicians interested in using the therapy can contact the FDA for further guidance.

After hydroxychloroquine gained fame in the press as a potential cure for covid-19, many people have been eager to get their hands on supplies of the drug. This includes physicians writing prescriptions for themselves and family members to secure a supply before the medicine goes on shortage. Such selfish behavior has not gone unchecked. Nevada joins a list of states including Texas and New York putting restrictions on new prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine. More states are expected to follow suit in the coming days. Hydroxychloroquine is used in treatment of conditions including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. NY Daily News.