Teens Rise Up To The Coronavirus

During these times of isolation, all groups of all types are rising up to take action. Teens, especially, have shown what they can accomplish against the Coronavirus. Among other things, they are fundraising, creating masks for health care workers and researching the virus itself.

With the US leading the number of cases by a substantial margin–nearly a third of all cases– many have turned to the government to lead the way in these trying times. However, this unlikely group has done a substantial amount helping flatten the curve. Through creation, research and fundraising, a spotlight has been lit on the future generations.

Creation

In the US especially, with cases nearing 500,000, teens are finding ways to support the medical systems. Many groups and individuals are using their resources to create face masks, the majority of which are 3d printed.

These 13-18 year olds all across the world, from Greenwich to Virginia to Burnaby are using their 3d printers to create face masks. These face masks find themselves in local hospitals and other medical institutions. Many teens have raised money and been featured on local news sources. This widespread act is spreading the knowledge across the globe, with more teens firing up their 3d printers. Consequently, we can expect more reliance on these 3d printed masks, as well as an increase in 3d mask production.

Research

These small acts help medical and essential workers everywhere. However, one teen group is doing research on the virus itself. Helyx.science is a bioinformatics group led by teens in San Diego. They have gathered teen researchers from around the globe, from New Jersey to Bangladesh. Their goal is becoming more informed on the coronavirus and gaining important research skills. Helyx chose to run the coronavirus research program for multiple reasons, mainly concerned “by the scare created by rampant misinformation spread around the internet.”

The Helyx research team has split into two groups. One focused on the epidemiology of the coronavirus, where researchers will analyze trends and data using Biopython. The second group includes more advanced biology, aimed “to solve the puzzle of the coronavirus.” The research team has gathered over 35 members, and growing. 

Fundraising

While many stay inside and isolate themselves and practice social distancing, the nation’s essential workers–doctors, police, and store employees– are at risk. Although the 3d printed face masks and other tools are helping, teens have found a simpler approach to help their local essential workers: fundraising. Many teens have voiced their call to action through online social media, and gathering upwards of $100-1000. 

As the coronavirus sweeps the nation, each of us is doing what we can to stay safe and support our local community by staying home and social distancing. These teen groups, among countless others have shown what they can do in today’s day and age in the face of a pandemic; rising up to the coronavirus.