Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a webpage here.
This September, all states in the US continue to experience new cases of COVID-19. Despite the occurrence of new cases, state and local authorities are trying to find ways to “normalize” people’s lives while keeping them safe and reducing the risk for spread of coronavirus. And while our everyday life has not returned to its pre-COVID state, our national attention is being drawn to other concerns. To reflect this, this monthly newsletter will now focus on a wider range of topics than just the coronavirus; likewise, our Friday webinar series, which will now take place the first Friday of each month, will focus on a broader array of topics of interest to you.
Gene therapy for hemophilia remains a very active area of research, although it may take longer than expected. To discuss this, join NHF’s Friday Webinar Gene Therapy: What’s New & What’s Next on Friday, October 2nd at 4:00pm EDT.  Moderated by NHF President and CEO Leonard A. Valentino, MD, this webinar will feature Glenn Pierce, MD, PhD; Steve Pipe, MD; and Margaret Ragni, MD. They will discuss the current status of gene therapies in the pipeline, other novel therapies, and leave time to answer your questions.
CDC Updates Guidance on COVID-19 Transmission
Although posted on the CDC website on Friday, September 18th and reported in the popular press, a major change in the guidance from the CDC in the transmission of COVID-19 acknowledged that the virus can be easily spread through the air, and that airborne droplets containing the virus can linger indoors for hours and be dispersed beyond six feet. This guidance was in alignment with scientific findings and recommendations from medical experts who have advocated for public health guidance on airborne transmission of the virus as may occur indoors or within enclosed environments which are crowed and have inadequate ventilation. The new guidance from the CDC was subsequently removed from the website on Monday, September 21st stating that “CDC is currently updating its recommendations regarding airborne transmission” of coronavirus.
Who Gets a Vaccine?
Perhaps a more difficult job than discovering a safe vaccine for COVID-19 is producing enough to widely inoculate the public – and deciding who gets it first. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) have each released separate guidance recommendations that prioritizes who should receive a vaccine. Healthcare professionals, essential workers and elderly people will likely be the first to have access to a vaccine. Also, the AARP has an excellent resource to learn more about vaccines for the coronavirus.
Emergency Preparedness
The NHF is saddened by the loss of life and destruction of communities due to catastrophic fires in the west and a number of hurricanes in the Southeast.  It is important for you and every member of your family to know how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters in case you need to evacuate your home on short notice.

WOW, there is a lot going on.

Remember a few simple recommendations to stay safe during the pandemic and a possible second wave of infection: practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer, wear a mask over your nose and mouth, practice physical distancing of at least six feet, avoid crowded spaces especially indoors, and above all, limit your exposures to anyone who is sick or if you are sick, stay home.

To help support our mission and continue to provide you with the information you need through the COVID-19 pandemic, donate here. Thank you.
FOLLOW US