Improving lives for students, nonprofits

There is reason for hope and optimism following the release of modeling that shows Virginia should have sufficient capacity in its hospitals to handle the expected peak of coronavirus cases in the coming weeks.

Researchers at the University of Virginia presented their findings this week, using data up to April 11. They concluded that “Virginia as a whole will have sufficient medical resources for at least the next couple months” (emphasis theirs) and that the number of coronavirus cases may not overwhelm commonwealth hospitals.

However, the U.Va. scientists emphasize that keeping the rate of infections low depends on keeping social distancing measures in place. In fact, they credit those guidelines and people’s adherence to them with improving projections and putting Virginia on course to avoid some frightening worst-case scenarios.

Extending this situation — with businesses closed, millions out of work and our social fabric fraying — isn’t ideal. Nobody wants to be stuck at home as spring takes firm hold and sunny days seduce us with memories of beach trips with family or sitting on restaurant porches with friends.

But the data continues to show social distancing measures are working and abandoning them prematurely would be deadly and disastrous. And so we must soldier on.

Still, we do not do so alone. There continue to be a great many efforts and initiatives to help people in need, showing the resolve of our commonwealth and its people.

For instance, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) passed by Congress last month includes $75 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities. The NEH plans to distribute $30 million to humanities councils across the nation to help nonprofit organizations struggling to stay afloat in this crisis.

In the commonwealth, that funding will be distributed through Virginia Humanities, which will divide more than $500,000 in aid to qualifying recipients such as “museums, historic sites and educational and cultural institutions.”

Most nonprofit groups rely on donations to survive, and charitable giving has plummeted amid so much economic turmoil. Grants such as this could well determine whether a museum or group survives the pandemic or is forced to close its doors.