Marc Lipsitch, an epidemiologist at Harvard University, predicts that between 40 to 70 percent of adults in the world will become infected with the coronavirus.
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/28/20 • 25 min
17 Listeners
Deep Background with Noah Feldman - The Coronavirus Isn't Going Away
Transcript Summary
In this episode titled "The Coronavirus Isn't Going Away," epidemiology expert Mark Lipsch discusses the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He warns that there are likely many undetected cases of the virus in the country and highlights the expectation of ongoing transmission. Lipsch explains that mathematical models are used to study the spread of infection, taking into account factors like susceptibility, age groups, and seasonal variability. He advises the general population to prepare for possible disruptions, such as working from home and school closures, and recommends building a supply of essential goods. Lipsch also emphasizes the need for better leadership response and discusses concerns about the impact on elections. While the virus poses a significant threat, Lipsch reassures that it is not an existential threat to society. He explains that interventions such as isolation, quarantine, and population-level measures can help reduce contact between people and prevent new outbreaks. However, he acknowledges the uncertainty and limitations of testing in detecting cases and stresses the need for improved surveillance systems. With insights from a Harvard professor and discussions about facts, informed inferences, and speculation, this episode provides valuable information and analysis on the coronavirus pandemic.
Transcript
Pushkin from Pushkin Industries. This is Deep Background, the show where we explore the stories behind the stories in the news. I'm Noah Feld. Today we wanted to share with you a special episode special because its subject matter just seemed so pressing that we didn't think it was appropriate to wait. We're going to talk to Mark Lipsch about the coronavirus COVID nineteen. Mark isn't just another expert on these topics. He's Professor of epidemio
The Coronavirus Isn't Going Away Top Questions Answered
How many undetected cases of coronavirus are there in the country?
The exact number of undetected cases of coronavirus in the country is unknown due to testing limitations, but there is a high probability that they exist.
Is there ongoing transmission of the coronavirus according to CDC officials?
Yes, CDC officials believe there is ongoing transmission of the virus.
What factors do models used to predict infection rates take into account?
Models used to predict infection rates take into account population structure, seasonal variability, and susceptibility levels in different age groups.
What is recommended to prepare for potential disruptions caused by the coronavirus?
It is recommended to have building material plans and mentally prepare for potential disruptions.
Has the government's response to the coronavirus been criticized?
Yes, the government's response to the virus has been criticized for being inadequate.
Are there concerns about the impact of the coronavirus on elections and people's willingness to vote in primaries?
Yes, there are concerns about the impact of the virus on elections and people's willingness to vote in primaries.
What mindset shift is emphasized in relation to the coronavirus?
The expert emphasizes the need to change our mindset and be more realistic about the probabilities of the virus.
Is the coronavirus an existential threat to society as a whole?
While unsettling, the coronavirus is not an existential threat to society as a whole.
Who is Mark Lipsitch?
Mark Lipsitch is a Professor of epidemiology at the Harvard Chance School of Public Health and director of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics.
What proportion of the adult population could be infected with the coronavirus?
Mark Lipsitch estimates that 40 to 70 percent of the adult population could end up infected with the virus.
Show more Questions
Show more Questions
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/deep-background-with-noah-feldman-35810/the-coronavirus-isnt-going-away-10921557"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to the coronavirus isn't going away on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy