Let Us Put Aside Differences

To the Editor:

It was heartening to read in the New York Times that scientists around the world are collaborating to combat the coronavirus. They have put aside all other work to simultaneously focus on the pandemic and are sharing information across borders on all forms of coronavirus research, including viral genome sequencing, vaccine testing, clinical trials, and medical treatment. Dr. Francesco Perrone of Italy said, “I never hear scientists—true scientists—speak in terms of nationality.” Dr. Yazdan Yazdanpanah of France describes the spirit which unites them,”What is important is to come up with a solution for everyone. The way to achieve that is to collaborate.”

In our own country, we are in crisis mode, struggling together with this unprecedented challenge, and doing the best we can to care for everyone. Hopefully, when it is over, we will put political, economic, religious and racial differences aside to focus on what we have in common and collaborate to figure out what national “preexisting conditions” can be altered to mitigate the effects of future pandemics. History and science tell us they are inevitable and coming faster and faster—we need to be prepared next time.

Cynthia Muse

Rye, N.H.

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