KQED's Forum Ed Yong on the Pandemic’s Legacy on Science Research and Reporting
Mar 24, 2025
Ed Yong, a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist and author, shares his insights from covering the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the stark contrast between public expectations and the harsh realities exposed during the health crisis. Topics include the U.S. perception of pandemic readiness, the misinformation that shaped public health responses, and the importance of transparent communication to rebuild trust in science. Yong also highlights the societal impact of long COVID and advocates for better understanding and support for affected individuals.
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US Pandemic Preparedness Mirage
- The US was ranked #1 in pandemic preparedness but performed poorly due to focusing on biomedical infrastructure.
- Social vulnerabilities like paid sick leave and public trust were overlooked in preparedness planning.
Limitations of State-Level Responses
- State-level pandemic responses converged, suggesting that states alone cannot effectively combat pandemics.
- Open borders and shared societal vulnerabilities necessitate a collective, national approach.
Why Stay-at-Home Orders Were Implemented
- In March 2020, stay-at-home orders were the primary tool available due to a lack of testing and data.
- One study projected 2 million American deaths by summer 2020, underscoring the perceived need for drastic measures.
