As global concern about the current COVID-19 outbreak grows, we are concerned by the escalation in the number of cases of the virus in Australia.
This highly contagious virus affects our respiratory systems and is therefore extremely concerning for those of our staff and supporters with high level spinal injuries. In addition to an inability to cough and a greatly reduced lung capacity, a spinal cord injury also has a devastating effect on a person’s immune system. Together these make the spinal cord injured one of the groups most at risk from Coronavirus.
We will continue to work with our friends in other SCI organisations to share advice on what to do to minimise risk to our community. Meantime we encourage supporters to follow medical advice and get regular updates from the ABC’s Coronacast podcast or the Australian Government’s health alert page.
We are heartened to hear that Australian and international researchers are working hard for a cure and indeed, have already identified drugs which may work against the virus.
Now more than ever we are reminded of the importance of medical research. I’m sure you will all join me in wishing our research community the very best as they work towards a solution to this virus. At SpinalCure Australia, irrespective of the crisis, we will continue our work in supporting those researchers working towards a cure for spinal cord injury. We encourage you to continue to support these endeavours through this difficult period and if you are interested in the latest medical research advancements that SpinalCure is involved in funding, please browse our website.
Stay safe
Duncan Wallace
CEO, SpinalCure Australia