A few assorted #COVID19 thoughts for the day:
First, case-finding numbers in the US are likely to explode. DO NOT PANIC. This is allowing us to see what's already been happening, rather than indicating some new trajectory.
First, case-finding numbers in the US are likely to explode. DO NOT PANIC. This is allowing us to see what's already been happening, rather than indicating some new trajectory.
Second, this level of spread is not the Trump administration's fault. It was likely inevitable that we would see community spread in the US (most experts predicted it).
What *is* the administration's fault is that we were blind to it for weeks, and not actively preparing for it.
What *is* the administration's fault is that we were blind to it for weeks, and not actively preparing for it.
Third, WASH YOUR HANDS LIKE A MANIAC AND DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE. Seriously.
And 👏STOP 👏BUYING 👏MASKS.
This is mostly a surface-transmitted virus. You're most likely to get it from touching a commonly-touched surface and then putting your hand to your eyes or mouth.
And 👏STOP 👏BUYING 👏MASKS.
This is mostly a surface-transmitted virus. You're most likely to get it from touching a commonly-touched surface and then putting your hand to your eyes or mouth.
Fourth, panic is as much the enemy as the virus. Take precautions, educate yourself, stay sane. Panicked behavior makes this all worse.
Too many people buy masks? None left for hospitals.
Too many people flood into ERs? Fewer beds for those who really need them.
Too many people buy masks? None left for hospitals.
Too many people flood into ERs? Fewer beds for those who really need them.
Fifth, diversity matters to good decision-making. I've had loads of comments on this tweet saying "boo gender politics, just put the best people in the room".
That misses the point. You don't get a room that looks like that without huge gender politics.
That misses the point. You don't get a room that looks like that without huge gender politics.
What we need to beat this outbreak is not just the best *people*, but the best *teams*.
And teams perform best when they have diverse capacities, identities, and viewpoints. Otherwise you end up with debilitating groupthink - which is exactly what we've seen.
And teams perform best when they have diverse capacities, identities, and viewpoints. Otherwise you end up with debilitating groupthink - which is exactly what we've seen.
Sixth, once again, please wash your hands.
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