Confused About How to Stay Safe in a Pandemic? Emily Oster is Here to Help
Trending Globally: Politics and Policy06/21/20 • 23 min
In the last 5 months we have learned a lot about coronavirus and Covid-19. But sometimes it feels like we’re just as confused as we were back in February. What’s safe to do? What activities should we be avoiding? When will things go back to 'normal'? On this episode Sarah talks Watson economist Emily Oster about her newest project, which seeks to provide some much needed clarity to these questions and more. They discuss her new website 'Covid Explained,' and look at some of the most popular questions people are asking. They also explore why health recommendations can be so hard to navigate, and how average people can learn to start thinking a little more like economists.
You can visit 'Covid-Explained' here.
You can learn more about Watson’s other podcasts here.
06/21/20 • 23 min
2 Listeners
Trending Globally: Politics and Policy - Confused About How to Stay Safe in a Pandemic? Emily Oster is Here to Help
Transcript
SARAH BALDWIN: Hey there. This is Sarah, the host of Trending Globally.
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Confused About How to Stay Safe in a Pandemic? Emily Oster is Here to Help Top Questions Answered
How can I adjust to new information about the pandemic using Bayesian reasoning?
Adjusting to new information using Bayesian reasoning involves updating your beliefs based on new evidence. It considers both prior beliefs and the likelihood of new information to arrive at a more accurate understanding.
What is virology and why is it considered cool?
Virology is the study of viruses, their structure, function, and how they interact with their hosts. It's considered cool because understanding virology helps us comprehend how viruses operate and can lead to advancements in disease prevention and treatment.
What progress has been made in vaccine technology for the pandemic?
There has been impressive progress in vaccine technology for the pandemic. Several vaccines have been developed using innovative approaches, such as mRNA technology, which allows for faster and more targeted vaccine production.
How are an economist and a physician collaborating in the field of pandemic response?
An economist and a physician can collaborate in the field of pandemic response to bridge the gap between specialized expertise and public understanding. Their combined knowledge helps in making data and scientific information more accessible to the general population.
Why did Emily Oster create the COVID Explained website?
Emily Oster created the COVID Explained website with a strong public health motivation to help people make informed decisions during the pandemic. The website aims to provide clear and accessible information about the risks of coronavirus and how to navigate through the pandemic safely.
What are the goals of the COVID Explained website?
The goals of the COVID Explained website include providing long-form explainers that contextualize new information, covering various topics related to COVID-19. The website strives to update its content frequently, ensuring accuracy and evidence-based information.
Who contributes to the content on the COVID Explained website?
The COVID Explained website has a team of experts, graduate students, undergraduates, and postdocs who contribute to its content. This collaborative effort helps ensure that the information provided is accurate and supported by evidence.
How does Emily Oster manage time while working on the COVID Explained website?
There is no particular time management secret mentioned, but Emily Oster enjoys the writing process and likely prioritizes her work for COVID Explained effectively.
What is the long-term goal for the COVID Explained website?
The long-term goal for the COVID Explained website is to reach a point where it is no longer needed. This implies achieving widespread understanding of COVID-19 and minimizing the need for constantly updated information as the pandemic evolves.
How should one consume news about the pandemic?
When consuming news about the pandemic, it is advised not to react impulsively to the latest information, but instead to consider it in the context of other evidence. This approach allows for a more informed and balanced understanding of the situation.
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