PODCAST-19: FiveThirtyEight on the Novel Coronavirus

It feels like a cure for this pandemic may be in sight. But for many people, injecting a brand-new scientific discovery into their body won't sit well. So, how are scientists making sure that a COVID-19 vaccine won’t cause more damage than the disease? How do regulators decide what an acceptable side effect is? And what would happen if someone did have a serious reaction to the COVID vaccine after it was released? This week, we’re devoting our whole show to vaccine safety.

But podcasts about them do. We're sad to report this is the final episode of PODCAST-19! It's been so rewarding making a show for you over the past year. In this episode, we discuss why we're closing up shop and why pandemics are so hard to beat.

Joe Biden says he can fight the pandemic better than President Trump. But is his plan really that different? And does it address what experts say needs to be improved upon?

After testing positive for COVID-19 last week, President Trump was given the three experimental drugs: an antiviral, monoclonal antibodies, and a steroid. On this week’s episode of PODCAST-19, we discuss what happens when all three drugs are combined and why the average American can't expect to receive the same treatment.

Who has access to COVID-19 testing in America? FiveThirtyEight and ABC News uncover some staggering disparities along racial lines. Also on today’s show, what are safe activities these days? Can you take a taxi? Eat outside at a restaurant? Senior Science Writer Maggie Koerth explores COVID’s murky middle. And finally, we check in on our oceans’ humpback whales. Yes, whales. On a coronavirus podcast.