A Virus Lie?

[David Horn]

(03-17-2020, 10:20 PM)Bob Butler 54 Wrote:

(03-17-2020, 09:58 PM)pbrower2a Wrote: We know all too little about this virus. What we know will not itself overcome the virus.  We might protect ourselves and some vulnerable people.

If anything most of us are keeping cool heads about this. So far the people who trivialize the danger seem most vulnerable.

The coastal press does seem to be profiting by sensationalizing.  Whether profiting from danger or seeking advantage in pushing a political agenda, you can't say the press is pure.  Still, it is probably healthier not to be ignorant, to understand what is going on.  You can ask what motives may exist, and whether what is said is true.  One can seek out reputable sources, and verify anything you doubt.  Certainly there is cause for alarmism.  There is cause to protect people by speaking truth.  There is no cause to favor ignorance and censorship.

The worst aspect of this disease is the inherent degree of uncertainty.  Is it highly transmissible by touch? At present, the opinion seems to be yes, but only hard surfaces.  That may change.  Should we separate by 1 meter or two (two seems to be the opinion de jure).  We don't even know the incubation period (it may vary), or why some people have severe symptoms and others have little to nothing.  All we do know is the experience of a few countries, and that varies a lot too.