In the News
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April 30, 2020
More than a third of Detroiters employed before March 1 have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, 20 percent say they will run out of money in three months, and about half of black residents are concerned about access to food, water and other supplies, according to research by Lydia Wileden, doctoral student in public policy, sociology and population studies, and Jeffrey Morenoff, professor of sociology and public policy and director of the Population Studies Center.
The Associated Press -
April 29, 2020
“The biggest factor for whether this virus becomes endemic or is eradicated is how effective and long-lasting our natural or vaccine-induced immunity is. Our best guess based on other coronaviruses is that immunity will wane over a relatively long period of time. Even if our immune responses don’t prevent future infections, they may lessen the severity of disease,” said Andrew Brouwer, assistant research scientist in epidemiology.
Newsweek -
April 29, 2020
“The economy is just us. How much would we each be willing to give up to stay safe? If we open tomorrow, few are going to be willing to take the risk of engaging fully in the economy. Who wants to be the guinea pig who tests how dangerous going to a crowded restaurant still is?” said Betsey Stevenson, professor of public policy and economics.
The New York Times -
April 29, 2020
“Just seeing the blue sky when you’ve haven’t been outside your house for long periods of time has definite effects on mood. We’re under a lot of stress and pressure in these highly unusual times, so going for a walk to clear your mind is really healthy for you — if you can do it safely,” said Sue Anne Bell, assistant professor of nursing.
Business Insider -
April 28, 2020
A $23 million fundraising effort will provide more than 50,000 Detroit students with new tablet-style laptop computers with free internet access to facilitate online learning. “This is a huge deal. It certainly does help, especially because a lot of these students just don’t have the means to access this technology on their own,” said Cyrus Peñarroyo, professor of architecture, who has mapped what’s known as digital redlining, which leaves many poor neighborhoods without broadband access.
Detroit Free Press -
April 28, 2020
“The novel coronavirus causing the current crisis presents a multidimensional challenge — to personal, public, economic and mental health. There is no single tool with which to confront such a threat; what we need is a vast tool kit. … Science is about staying flexible, trying out a variety of tools as the questions we try to answer change before our eyes. It is a process, not a product,” wrote Henry Cowles, assistant professor of history.
The Washington Post -
April 28, 2020
Muslims in the U.S. are adapting their traditions to figure out how to feel together while staying apart during Ramadan, although they have a long tradition of staying connected through technology, says Su’ad Abdul Khabeer, associate professor of American culture: “For many groups, particularly groups that are marginalized socially, politically, culturally, there has always been a need to have ways to be in relation with each other when you can’t actually be in the same place.”
National Public Radio -
April 27, 2020
Neil Mehta, assistant professor of health management and policy, says a phased return from social distancing will ensure a better chance of successfully using contact tracing: “That will save lives. Because if we do, unfortunately, infect a colleague at work, and they’re living with their elderly parents or grandparents, then we can identify that colleague’s risk and potentially save the lives of them or their families.”
Michigan Radio -
April 27, 2020
“Congress should quickly provide $1 billion in new funding for community development financial institutions to assist with providing new loans and grants to neighborhoods across the country. The Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department should then create a liquidity program focused on community development financial institutions, just as they have done for the biggest players in the system,” wrote Michael Barr, dean of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.
The Hill -
April 27, 2020
“While the COVID-19 crisis disrupted the planned commemorations of Earth Day 1970, the pandemic also reinforced the urgency of its core lessons of ecological sustainability, environmental justice and the power of youth-driven grass-roots activism to challenge corporate pollution and government inaction,” wrote Matthew Lassiter, professor of history, and urban and regional planning.
The Washington Post
