Whether it is tech-bros or political opportunists, we have reverted back to our usual narcissistic selfish and politically divided self within a week. It is impossible to use social platforms and not feel a degree of disgust with everything. As a result, I am going to end my live blog on Coronavirus. I will still occasionally link to longer pieces that intelligently add context to the current situation. The following are good examples:
Why the Coronavirus has been so successful. Ed Yong is a well-respected science writer, and his in-depth report on the current pandemic is as clear and detailed report you can get. It explains why we need to be very serious about self-isolation.
“Chinese Virus” as a phrase is a political dog whistle. This article with that same title explains the cause, the effect, and unshakeable truth of the interconnectedness of all our societies on this one planet. It is one of the most important pieces you can read right away in n+1 magazine.
How complex systems fail. This is very relevant in the context of our growing interconnectedness. (H/T James Hamilton)
What do you know about Wuhan? An illustrated guide to Wuhan from an artist who has divided time between Wuhan and Texas (and San Francisco.) Wonderful. PS: She works for Twitter.
What the Fukushima meltdowns taught us about how to respond to Coronavirus. Not much, unfortunately. The US didn’t learn its lessons, and neither did many other countries in Europe. Also, at least one expert thinks that the current outbreak is no different than a nuclear attack. Scary.
Keeping the Coronavirus from infecting healthcare workers. Atul Gawande looks at Singapore and Hong Kong and talks to his medical colleagues in those countries to reinforce the point that health care workers are the line between utter chaos and social sanity. For me, this piece in The New Yorker was worth the price of the subscription.
Finding connection during social distancing. We are less human if we don’t connect. That’s a fact. And that’s why we should all embrace distant socializing.