The hottest Pandemic response Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

COVID-19 digital contact tracing worked - heed the lessons

Digital Epidemiology β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jul 23
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Digital Health Public Health Data Privacy Pandemic response Technology development
  1. Many European governments were not interested in privacy-preserving digital contact tracing.
  2. Digital contact tracing showed that privacy preservation and fighting a pandemic can go hand in hand.
  3. There is a lack of investment in digital contact tracing technology despite its potential benefits.

No Amnesty for Crimes Against Humanity

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 03 Nov 22
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Pandemic response COVID-19 Public Health Politics Government
  1. Ignoring the truth about COVID and the harm inflicted is not acceptable - no amnesty for crimes against humanity.
  2. People in positions of power who enabled destructive actions during the pandemic should be held accountable, not forgiven.
  3. Calls for amnesty for COVID-related actions are seen as hypocritical and evoke strong reactions of anger and the refusal to forgive.

The Fauci Paradox

A Biologist's Guide to Life β€’ 63 implied HN points β€’ 30 Sep 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Research Pandemic response National Security Policy
  1. The Fermi Paradox suggests that the lack of contact with extraterrestrial life may be due to specific probabilities hindering civilizations' advancement.
  2. Nuclear weapons and diseases are identified as vulnerabilities to human civilization, posing potential threats to societal stability.
  3. The Fauci Paradox highlights the need for closer regulation and oversight in scientific research to prevent catastrophic risks that could endanger humanity.
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Nature paper shows the COVID "vaccines" increased your risk of getting COVID

Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 24
πŸ₯ Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Pandemic response Scientific research Health Policy
  1. COVID vaccines may reduce the body's protective mucosal antibodies, which are important for preventing infections.
  2. Data suggests that vaccinated individuals could be more susceptible to COVID than those who haven't been vaccinated.
  3. There is a call for clearer communication from health authorities about the potential risks associated with COVID vaccinations.

A Study's Bombshell Finding That Has Been Ignored

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter β€’ 43 implied HN points β€’ 01 Sep 23
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Research Pandemic response Societal Impact Infectiousness Public Health
  1. A new study challenges the logic behind pandemic responses like forced masking and distancing for healthy individuals.
  2. Research shows that presymptomatic infected individuals rarely have the ability to infect others.
  3. Findings suggest that social distancing measures may not have been as effective as previously believed.

Fauci's Deceit

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter β€’ 27 implied HN points β€’ 07 Aug 23
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Government Pandemic response Science communication
  1. The post discusses Dr. Fauci's deceptions and obfuscations related to high-risk virology research and the potential lab leak in Wuhan.
  2. It highlights how Fauci's language choices, like referring to a paper as a 'study' instead of 'correspondence,' can impact the perceived weight of evidence.
  3. The article aims to surprise and alarm readers who may not have closely followed the story.

#19: Unreasonable measures

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 20
πŸ₯ Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Government Policy Healthcare systems Crisis Management
  1. Extraordinary situations, like a rapidly spreading virus, require extreme measures. Normal responses may not be enough to prevent serious issues.
  2. It's important for both individuals and governments to take immediate, strong actions to slow the spread of infections. Delaying these actions can lead to much bigger problems later on.
  3. By practicing social distancing and being cautious, you can help protect yourself and others. Small inconveniences now can save lives and prevent overwhelming the healthcare system.

#21: The consequences of inaction

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 25 Mar 20
πŸ₯ Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Health Systems Policy decisions Economic Impact
  1. Taking extreme measures early to control a virus might seem unreasonable, but it can save lives and prevent bigger problems later on.
  2. Not acting quickly can lead to more deaths, a sicker workforce, and many businesses shutting down, which hurts the economy as a whole.
  3. We need to shift our thinking from trying to minimize known costs to understanding that the costs of inaction can be much higher and more damaging.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 159 - Big Changes Coming in 2025!

Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 1 implied HN point β€’ 09 Jan 25
πŸ₯ Health Politics Health Policy Medical freedom Public Health Pandemic response
  1. There's a big discussion happening tonight about changes expected in health policies for 2025. This will impact health freedom and how vaccines are handled.
  2. A guest, Michael Kane, will discuss the efforts to support teachers in NYC who faced discrimination during the pandemic. It's an important issue for many people.
  3. The event encourages people to share the information and show support for health freedom. Donations are also needed to keep the discussions going.

#20: Being prepared

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 19 Mar 20
πŸ₯ Health Politics Public Health Emergency Management Pandemic response Food security
  1. Being prepared can help you manage surprises and reduce panic in uncertain situations. It's important to think ahead and stay calm while making decisions.
  2. Having an emergency food supply means stocking up on shelf-stable items that can last a long time. This includes things like rice, pasta, and canned goods.
  3. It's best to gradually build your emergency supply over time and use it only in emergencies. Regularly check and rotate your stock to ensure nothing goes to waste.

Cities and Covid Reopening

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 04 Aug 20
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Pandemic response Data Analysis Economic Impact
  1. Tailored policies based on locality-specific data are crucial for effective Covid-19 management in different cities.
  2. Different US cities have unique network structures affecting the impact of various policies like work from home or essential work.
  3. Understanding city network structures and demographics can help predict policy outcomes, and this data remains relatively stable over time.

Humans and the perils of Covid-Zero

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 23 Nov 20
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Pandemic response Contact Tracing Work-life balance
  1. Achieving Covid-Zero, where there are no cases of Covid-19 in a region, is incredibly challenging due to human errors and misinformation.
  2. The story of South Australia's lockdown showcases how misunderstandings can lead to drastic measures, like a statewide lockdown.
  3. It's important to understand the human element in situations like these, emphasizing the need for education and empathy to encourage truth-telling and prevent similar errors.

When did we know enough to act?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 23 Sep 20
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Pandemic response Risk Assessment Public Health
  1. Acting early against a virus like COVID-19 is crucial to keeping it under control. Waiting too long can make it much harder to contain.
  2. Experts, like public health officials, were aware of the seriousness of the situation regarding the virus well before certain key dates - like the Wuhan lockdown.
  3. In the early stages of a pandemic, personal risk assessments may not be adequate, and governments should be proactive in imposing restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus.

VSRF LIVE - The Ugly Truth: An Interview with data experts John Beaudoin, Sr. and Carl Heneghan

Steve Kirsch's newsletter β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 22 Feb 24
πŸ₯ Health Politics Pandemic response Health Freedom Vaccine Safety
  1. John Beaudoin, Sr., with his analytical skills, exposed COVID data manipulation that influenced policy making.
  2. Carl Heneghan, a clinical epidemiologist, highlighted the impact of political agendas on COVID responses worldwide.
  3. Consider supporting VSRF to help sustain their efforts for health freedom through critical conversations and analyses.

CDC updates isolation guidance

Your Local Epidemiologist β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 05 Mar 24
πŸ₯ Health Politics Public Health Healthcare policy Epidemiology Pandemic response
  1. CDC updated isolation guidance recommends staying home when sick until fever resolves for 24 hours and symptoms improve, then using caution for five days.
  2. There is a debate within public health about the updated guidance - some see it as a step back while others believe it simplifies virus prevention measures.
  3. The guidance update considers the decrease in community transmission, the contagious period, the types of viruses being irrelevant to actions, and the critical focus on reducing hospitalizations and deaths.

After Woke

Wood From Eden β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 13 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism Immigration Pandemic response Public Discourse Authoritarianism
  1. Woke culture in Sweden was influenced by different factors than in America, such as its approach to LGBTQ issues and racial segregation.
  2. The rise of Woke culture in Sweden coincided with changes in immigration policy, leading to societal issues like segregation and increased crime.
  3. The aftermath of Woke culture in Sweden highlights a shift towards authoritarianism, with the elite controlling the narrative and targeting new adversaries.

Will a COVID-19 vaccine exacerbate the economic downturn?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 20
πŸ₯ Health Politics Vaccine distribution Economic Impact Public Behavior Pandemic response
  1. Many are pinning hopes on a COVID-19 vaccine to end the pandemic, but the distribution process may lead to a prolonged economic downturn.
  2. The arrival of a vaccine could bring about changes in social distancing behaviors, leading to negative impacts on consumer activities and businesses.
  3. While a vaccine may be beneficial in the long run, in the short term, it could pose challenges for the economy, requiring preparation for the potential consequences.

Political tensions and the endgame

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 21
πŸ₯ Health Politics Pandemic response Vaccination Political Tensions Policy Implications
  1. During a pandemic, there is a trade-off between prioritizing the economy and prioritizing health, and this choice changes with developments like vaccinations.
  2. Countries like South Korea and Australia managed to balance the economy and health without relying solely on lockdowns by using testing and tracing methods.
  3. Vaccines play a critical role in improving production possibilities and reducing the impact of a pandemic, but they also complicate political choices by potentially shifting priorities and increasing tensions.

A War Footing: Surfing the Curve

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 20
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Pandemic response Economic Impact Policy Solutions
  1. In dealing with Covid-19, there is a need to balance between minimizing short-term costs and minimizing medium-term costs, which presents a conflict.
  2. Flattening the curve is not enough to combat the pandemic effectively and can be very costly due to its impact on the health care system capacity.
  3. To address the limitations of flattening the curve, there is a critical need for a dramatic, immediate increase in healthcare capacity like what was done in Wuhan, calling for a war-like mindset.

Don’t Look for an On/Off Switch

Are You Okay? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 22 Mar 21
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Public Health Pandemic response Vaccination Risk mitigation Emotional Wellbeing
  1. Get comfortable living in the gray: Assess everyday risks, mitigate them, and make changes gradually to protect health and wellbeing.
  2. Vaccines are very effective: They prevent death and severe disease, reduce transmission, even against variants, but it's important for unvaccinated people to mitigate risks and practice caution.
  3. Reentry is a process: Expect it to take time and be patient with yourself and others as you ease back into normalcy, taking small steps and following recommended safety measures.

Work Together

Are You Okay? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 29 May 20
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Pandemic response Higher education Community support Medical Updates Public Health
  1. Dr. Wayne Frederick shares how Howard University is assisting with the pandemic and planning for reopening, emphasizing the importance of unity and community support.
  2. Howard University is actively involved in COVID-19 response efforts in DC, including expanding hospital capacity and managing a testing facility to address the virus within vulnerable populations.
  3. A Fall 2020 Preparation Committee is working on various issues for reopening, prioritizing safety measures, testing, and flexibility in case social distancing policies continue.

NhαΊ­t kΓ½ trong nhΓ : nΖ°α»›c Mα»Ή

ThΓ‘i | Hacker | Kα»Ή sΖ° tin tαΊ·c β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 02 Apr 20
🌍 World Politics Pandemic response Leadership
  1. The situation in the US regarding COVID-19 is becoming increasingly dire, with measures like staying at home until the end of April being implemented.
  2. Different states in the US are handling the crisis differently, with California acting quickly in comparison to New York where compliance with staying at home orders is proving challenging.
  3. Despite varying responses, the outcome of the current crisis in the US may not be solely due to President Trump's actions, but rather in spite of them.

Vaccine Hesitancy May Be Unfortunate, But It's Hardly Unreasonable

Symbolic Capital(ism) β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 22
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Vaccine Hesitancy Public Health COVID-19 Pandemic response
  1. Vaccine hesitancy is driven by valid reasons like rapid vaccine development, use of new technologies, shifting efficacy claims, and evolving recommendations.
  2. Skepticism towards authorities and public health guidance is fueled by issues like conflicts of interest, data suppression, and inconsistency in messaging.
  3. Most vaccine-hesitant individuals are not staunchly against vaccines but are more concerned with mandates, passport requirements, and coercive pandemic containment measures.

A link to my piece in The Nation – with some added context.

HEALTH CARE un-covered β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jul 21
πŸ₯ Health Politics Healthcare Reform Public Health Policy advocacy Health Insurance Pandemic response
  1. America's health care system, based on employers, is failing and needs a change. The pandemic showed that this model is not working well for many people.
  2. There is a call for President Biden to deliver on his promises for health care reform, especially after the challenges revealed by the pandemic.
  3. A Medicare for All system could be better for both individuals and businesses, and it's important to think about new solutions for health care.

Health Before Wealth: The Economic Logic

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 25 Mar 20
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Public Health Economy Pandemic response Testing Epidemiology
  1. During a pandemic, the concept of trade-offs between public health and economy shifts. The pandemic alters the production possibilities set, making it crucial to prioritize health over wealth.
  2. In a pandemic, the production possibilities set shows that there is a significant 'bite' where choosing between preserving public health or the economy becomes an either/or situation.
  3. Implementing widespread and accessible testing for COVID-19 can help reduce the economic impact while maintaining public health, weakening the trade-off between the two.

Reading and other recommendations

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 21
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Pandemic response
  1. Austria conducts regular self-testing in schools by children which has shown initial low positivity rates. This innovative approach is worth keeping an eye on.
  2. Different countries have varied success rates in dealing with the pandemic, leading to intriguing yet uncertain explanations.
  3. Apart from pandemic-related news, the writer discusses digital economics topics, like critiquing Australia's news media bargaining code and Amazon's new receipts, and recommends watching the impactful TV series, 'It's a Sin'.

The aspiration needs perspiration

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 21
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics Pandemic response Policy decisions
  1. The new Biden Pandemic report, while a step forward, lacks hard decisions and specifics like measurable goals, targets, timeline, and direction.
  2. Prioritizing actions like testing in the pandemic response requires hard trade-offs, which need clear priorities and decision-making.
  3. Time is of the essence in addressing the ongoing pandemic crisis, demanding urgent, prioritized, and impactful actions from the new administration.

Contact tracing works!

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 30 Nov 20
πŸ₯ Health Politics Contact Tracing Data Management Pandemic response
  1. Contact tracing is an effective method to reduce infections by identifying and isolating those exposed to a virus proactively.
  2. Randomized experiments in scientific inquiries can provide valuable insights, but ethical concerns often prevent conducting them.
  3. The UK Excel spreadsheet error provided inadvertent data for economists to study the impact of contact tracing, revealing its value in reducing infections and deaths.

Social distancing at the end

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 Oct 20
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Pandemic response Vaccines Social Distancing Economic Impact Public Health Measures
  1. Vaccines and treatments for the pandemic take time to distribute and may not be perfect when they become available
  2. People's social distancing behavior changes when a vaccine is on the horizon, impacting economic activity
  3. The impact of a vaccine versus a treatment on social distancing behavior and economic activity can differ significantly

Largely out of government control

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 26 Oct 20
πŸ₯ Health Politics Pandemic response Government intervention Economic Impact Public Health Herd Immunity
  1. Government actions have limited impact on the overall course of the pandemic, with people and their behaviors playing a significant role.
  2. Advocates of 'letting it rip' to achieve herd immunity quickly overlook the potential long-term health costs and economic impacts of such a strategy.
  3. Voluntary social distancing and population density have been crucial factors in influencing the spread of the virus, showing that personal behavior plays a key role in controlling the outbreak.

The Reopening Party

Joshua Gans' Newsletter β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 13 Aug 20
πŸ₯ Health & Wellness Pandemic response Government Influence Consumer behavior Risk Assessment Safety measures
  1. People responded to government reopening by venturing out quickly, even more eagerly than they curtailed activities before lockdowns.
  2. The trusted government theory suggests that people trusted government information post-lockdown, but not pre-lockdown, leading to their swift return to activities.
  3. Alternative theories suggest that post-lockdown rush could be due to pent-up demand after restrictions, or due to perceived safety improvements like social distancing measures.