Rob & Howie on what we do and don't know about 2019-nCoV

Show Notes

Two 80,000 Hours researchers, Robert Wiblin and Howie Lempel, record an experimental bonus episode about the new 2019-nCoV virus.

See this list of resources, including many discussed in the episode, to learn more.

In the 1h15m conversation we cover:

• What is it? 
• How many people have it? 
• How contagious is it? 
• What fraction of people who contract it die?
• How likely is it to spread out of control?
• What's the range of plausible fatalities worldwide?
• How does it compare to other epidemics?
• What don't we know and why? 
• What actions should listeners take, if any?
• How should the complexities of the above be communicated by public health professionals?

Here's a link to the hygiene advice from Laurie Garrett mentioned in the episode.

Recorded 2 Feb 2020.

The 80,000 Hours Podcast is produced by Keiran Harris.

What is 80,000 Hours Podcast?

Unusually in-depth conversations about the world's most pressing problems and what you can do to solve them.

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Hosted by Rob Wiblin and Luisa Rodriguez.