If experiencing any symptoms whatsoever, consult your General Practitioner (GP) immediately, as the podcast participants are not medical professionals.
Cease or cancel large events, conferences, and rallies to prevent rapid viral spread. Historical examples demonstrate that such gatherings can turn a viral fire into a vertical increase in cases.
Consistently wash your hands, use hand sanitizers, and wear face masks. These actions help reduce the effective reproduction number of the virus.
When dealing with invisible threats like viruses, use mathematical calculations to quantify your personal risk rather than relying on intuition. This ‘Geiger counter mode’ helps make informed decisions based on estimated infection rates.
Individuals with technical or scientific backgrounds should consider it a civic duty to engage in citizen journalism and politics. This involvement helps address the deficit of scientific and technical expertise in government and media, especially during crises.
Governments should implement emergency expanded ‘right to try’ laws, giving states the ability to clear coronavirus-related drugs and diagnostics. This decentralizes approval, removes bureaucratic bottlenecks, and accelerates the response, as the cost of delay is very high during a pandemic.
When discussing complex topics, explicitly separate facts, opinions, and assumptions. Preface statements with ’this is true,’ ’this is what I think,’ or ‘I’m assuming this’ to provide clarity and the best possible information.
Actively use social networks, e-sports, and other online platforms as complements or proxies for offline socialization. This helps maintain connection during periods when physical gatherings are limited.
Seek out or form ’trusted communities’ where members have a high level of confidence that others are diligently practicing hygienic measures. This allows for safer physical interaction within a small, vetted group.
Form community organizations with trusted individuals to share responsibilities like educating children. Parents can take turns having kids for a day, leveraging online tools and mutual trust in health practices.
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