Thread by @RamyInocencio

1/ Masks, Mortality & China’s Wildlife Markets: 🇨🇳 #Thread on #WuhanCoronavirus

I interviewed Columbia University epidemiologist, SARS expert and chief consultant for the movie “Contagion” Dr. W. Ian Lipkin in Beijing, trying to put to rest questions and fear. @CBSNews is here.

2/ “So many people still ask: does a mask actually help against #WuhanCoronavirus?”

Yes. If you’re infected it keeps the virus contained so you’re not sneezing or spitting it out. And...

3/ “Is the N95 mask the best to protect against #WuhanCoronavirus?”

Yes. Also wear gloves...

4/ “How high could #WuhanCoronavirus infections rise?” (At the time of our interview, infections in China had topped 20,000 and we used that as the baseline.)

Possibly 200,000 infections. But...

5/ “Ok what’s the latest that we know on mortality rate for #WuhanCoronavirus?”

It *could* be as low as 0.2% - much less than the 2% we’re hearing right now. Caveat of course - more research needed...

6/ “What do you say to people who try to minimize #WuhanCoronavirus by arguing the common flu kills more?”

“I reject that soundly.” 🛑

7/ “How can you protect yourself from #WuhanCoronavirus?”

Use “subway condoms.”
Stay at home if sick.
There’s *no shame* in masks. 😷

8/ “Wild animal markets and people eating those wild animals in China have been blamed for #WuhanCoronavirus and before that for SARS. For #coronavirus it’s been bats, snakes and now pangolins...”

9/ “For foreign nationals, Americans living in China - anyone who can - should they leave because of #WuhanCoronavirus?”

If you’re afraid you’ll be locked down...

10/ “OK you sound a little optimistic about #WuhanCoronavirus?”