FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 05, 2020
New course from ACS Publications provides lessons in reducing the spread of viruses
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2020 — The Publications Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has developed a course to give professionals the tools they need to reduce the spread of viruses in their workplaces. “Chemistry in Practice: Reduce the Spread of Viruses” will contain a variety of modules useful for anyone navigating the newly complex topic of shared public spaces and was designed specifically to support institutions in educating employees returning to in-person work.
The course contains seven 15- to 20-minute modules on how viruses spread, how disinfectants work, how masks and other personal protective equipment provide protection, how vaccines work and more. The course also contains a risk-assessment calculator, tip sheets and a self-assessment capstone module. Each module was designed and reviewed by a panel of five leading experts in the fields of infectious disease, medicinal chemistry and healthcare.
“Everyone in society has experienced some effect from COVID-19. Connecting the fundamental chemical principles of infectious disease to personal actions, such as wearing a mask or handwashing, ensures professionals and the public understand the rationale for government recommendations,” says Poonum Satish Korpe, M.D., infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University. “This will hopefully provide professionals with increased confidence as they return to work, including being more prepared for future virus outbreaks.”
The course incorporates guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, videos from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and renowned hospitals, and primary research articles published by ACS Publications and other organizations.
“Now more than ever, it’s imperative that professionals in all fields are knowledgeable about the spread of viruses,” says James Milne, Ph.D., president, ACS Publications Division. “As the publisher of the most-read and most-cited chemistry journals in the world, ACS is uniquely positioned to help communicate the science of virus prevention. This course will provide invaluable tools to help professionals adapt to challenging new circumstances.”
To support ACS’ mission of public service, “Chemistry in Practice: Reduce the Spread of Viruses” will debut two free modules on how a virus spreads and effective mask use beginning Oct. 5, 2020. The full course will launch on Oct. 15, 2020. For more information, visit access.acspubs.org/reduce-the-spread.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and its people. The Society is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News. ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a specialist in scientific information solutions (including SciFinder® and STN®), its CAS division powers global research, discovery and innovation. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.
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