The Daily The Next Year (or Two) of the Pandemic
Apr 20, 2020
In this discussion, Donald G. McNeil Jr., a seasoned science and health reporter for The New York Times, shares insights on the pandemic's future. He unpacks the debate over reopening economies and the importance of a cautious approach, using the 'Hammer and the Dance' metaphor. The challenges of vaccine development and the potential for a dystopian divide based on immunity are also highlighted. McNeil emphasizes the ethical complexities of tracking immunity and discusses public sentiments towards ongoing restrictions amid protests.
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Reopening Society: The Dance
- Reopening society will be a gradual "dance", not a single event.
- Increase activities slowly, monitor death rates, and retreat if they rise.
The School Reopening Dilemma
- Reopening schools presents a complex challenge due to uncertainty about children's role in transmission.
- Children may not be severely affected, but they could spread the virus to vulnerable adults.
Workplace Reopening Strategies
- Workplace reopenings must be tailored to each setting's specific characteristics.
- Remote work should continue where possible, while essential industries need distancing and protective measures.