UF scientist says drastic shifts in behavior appear to be having an effect in the pandemic, though they say the death toll will continue to mount and caution against drawing any sweeping conclusions.
UF researchers are working with CRISPR-based technology to create quick testing for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
The information can signal the presence of infection among students, almost a week before there are diagnosed cases.
With their studies all but shut down during the COVID-19 outbreak, UF/IFAS researchers in Balm are turning their attention to helping fight the coronavirus.
“It’s probably going to just continue to rise exponentially for a couple of weeks,” said Ira Longini, co-director of the Center for Statistics and Quantitative Infectious Diseases at the Emerging Pathogens Institute of the University of Florida.
"We're trying to figure out who is ill or who has had significant exposure, and then keep them from getting around other folks," Haley said.
More people have reported having seriously considered suicide, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study.
"The most important question we're trying to determine is how any people have the virus but are showing no symptoms at all," Dr. Michael Lauzardo, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Florida said.