Healthcare

Masks can't stop the coronavirus#

“To be clear once again, Americans don't need masks. The CDC says that healthy people in the US shouldn't wear them because they won't protect them from the novel coronavirus.”

“But medical workers who treat patients with novel coronavirus do need them. And, the CDC says, it's crucial that those supplies don't run out.”

“When it comes to hysteria and panic, though, reason takes a backseat.”

— CNN. Masks can't stop the coronavirus in the US, but hysteria has led to bulk-buying, price-gouging and serious fear for the future. News article. CNN. 2020-02-29 at 6:14 AM ET.

Stock market losses#

“Stock markets in the US have posted some of their worst ever losses as the novel coronavirus sparked mass sell-offs.

The Dow dropped 1,191 points on Thursday, in its worst one-day point drop in history, while the S&P 500 posted its worst day since 2011. Stocks are on track for their worst week since the 2008 financial crisis.”

“In Japan, the ongoing outbreak has raised questions over the viability of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”

“In the Middle East, numerous countries have cut off travel…”

— CNN. Novel coronavirus sparks massive US stock market losses as cases spread worldwide. News article. Hong Kong. CNN. 2020-02-28 at 7:05 AM ET.

Fear management#

“Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) on Friday said the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases was told to “stand down” and not appear on five Sunday morning talk shows to discuss the coronavirus.”

“Garamendi told MSNBC's Hallie Jackson that Anthony Fauci was scheduled to do all five major Sunday talk shows, but says Fauci canceled the appearances after Vice President Pence took over the administration's response to the disease.”

— Concha, Joe. Rep. Garamendi: NIH official canceled on five Sunday talk shows after Pence's office 'took over'. News article. TheHill. 2020-02-28 at 11:51 AM EST.

Preparing is a good idea#

“Getting ready for the possibility of major disruptions is not only smart; it’s also our civic duty”

“[…] the real crisis scenarios we’re likely to encounter require cooperation and, crucially, “flattening the curve” of the crisis exactly so the more vulnerable can fare better, so that our infrastructure will be less stressed at any one time.”

“The infectiousness of a virus, for example, depends on how much we encounter one another; how well we quarantine individuals who are ill; how often we wash our hands; whether those treating the ill have proper protective equipment; how healthy we are to begin with—and such factors are all under our control.”

— Tufekci, Zeynep. Preparing for Coronavirus to Strike the U.S.. Blog post. Scientific American Blog Network. Scientific American, a Division of Nature America, Inc. 2020-02-27.

Habits changed by the health crisis#

People are learning to cook again, because there isn't much else to do.

“In China, millions of people living under lockdown are using the Internet to re-create the conviviality of sharing a meal.”

— Raghav, Krish. Quarantine Cooking: Finding Relief from Coronavirus Anxiety in the Kitchen. Cultural Comment. The New Yorker. 2020-02-27.

Good visual storytelling.