VIRUS HUNTERS: @DrJAshton reports on the scientists working in the field to identify new viruses, like the COVID-19, determine how they spread and help stop outbreaks from happening. #ABC2020 https://t.co/IXpLJk5lbq pic.twitter.com/Yfs95tPZMZ
— 20/20 (@ABC2020) March 7, 2020
In the Atlantic, “How to Misinform Yourself About the Coronavirus: Even if you avoid the conspiracy theories, tweeting through a global emergency is messy, context-free, and disorienting”:
… Most Americans cannot read Chinese, nor are they present in large numbers on Chinese social-media sites such as Weibo and WeChat. The internet has fractured over the past decade, with American and Chinese social-media companies carving up distinct parts of the world. While that makes it difficult for many Americans to parse what’s happening on Chinese social media, it also creates an opportunity for people who are tapped in on both sides. They can arbitrage from the Chinese to the American internet, turning WeChat videos into Twitter gold. Accounts big and small have whipped up quite an apocalyptic fervor in the past weeks, posting scary videos of dubious provenance and veracity. The mainstream media has proceeded carefully, and reporters’ stories have seemingly been unable to satiate the rising hunger for more information about coronavirus…
After talking to several friends, I realize many ppl still aren't prepared for the societal impacts of coronavirus. Want to dedicate a thread about what I observed in Chinese society, and what you should be mentally prepared for. It goes beyond the disease itself:
— Tony Lin (@tony_zy) March 7, 2020
Some extracts from a long, but IMO important, thread:
1.Trauma. As @MariaRepnikova said, it’s the 1st global epidemic in the era of social media & live-streaming. If the outbreak gets worse, you WILL have extremely helpless moments, witnessing ppl seeking help and some die in a way closer than ever. I saw hundreds online already..
2. Hospital overcapacity. A massive outbreak can strain local medical system. Do u know in China, Wuhan has the second-most medical professionals per 1000 ppl, and the most top tier hospital per 10000 ppl? And w/o sufficient intensive care, coronavirus is far deadlier…
3. Secondary disasters. Once the hospital is at capacity, other patients, ppl who depend on prescription drugs, pregnant women, all could face imminent health issues. Here’s a man who can’t access hiv drugs:
A heartbreaking case during Hubei lockdown: a man posted for help. His HIV meds is running out & he can’t get new ones cuz of the roadblock. Local police soon reached out. But instead of helping him get new medicine—police told on him to his parents. pic.twitter.com/keqvVE3B5B
— Tony Lin (@tony_zy) January 25, 2020
4. Community and cross infection. Coronavirus spread fast across the community. When the adults are all quarantined, who takes care of their children? Another tragedy here: https://t.co/mVpSFOoc7W
— Tony Lin (@tony_zy) March 7, 2020
5. Fake news and alternative medication. This has been going on for a while. In China there’s government-endorsed Chinese medicine (very little clinical evidence), and the US shines with Mike Pence’s prayers…
COVID-19 / Coronavirus: A Few Longer PiecesPost + Comments (155)