One difference is that people on LW are more likely than average to be able to almost-entirely self-isolate for long periods of time, given the slant towards work that is doable online, being relatively well-to-do, and are more able to fulfill their socialization needs digitally. Personally, I’m planning to avoid any public spaces, aside from short tasks like getting groceries (with a mask on), until I can get a vaccine. Of course not all of those apply to everyone, and the first two of those are examples of privilege, but it still explains people on LessWrong.
According to most predictions I’ve seen, the very worst of the peak where I am has hit at this point. Perhaps it could get worse in a resurgence after opening up, but it seems likely to go down from here. Therefore, I want to get infected as late in this curve as possible. This is doubly true since as James_Miller points out, the methods for treating the virus are getting much better over time.
In addition, I’m willing to take a lot of personal sacrifices to avoid the chance of having significant long term damage to my lungs. I’ve seen some evidence online that even young people who get it and don’t seem to have negative symptoms still sustain lung damage that could take years off of their lifespans as well as lower long term quality of life.
Given all of that, it doesn’t make personal sense to get exposed now. Looking at the cost/benefits to the general community, I think it also makes sense for me to not get exposed. If I get sick, it’s an additional on local medical resources. My job is valuable enough that it wouldn’t make sense for me to work in that category of jobs where I would be interacting with vulnerable communities, especially since I don’t have any training as a healthcare worker.
One difference is that people on LW are more likely than average to be able to almost-entirely self-isolate for long periods of time, given the slant towards work that is doable online, being relatively well-to-do, and are more able to fulfill their socialization needs digitally. Personally, I’m planning to avoid any public spaces, aside from short tasks like getting groceries (with a mask on), until I can get a vaccine. Of course not all of those apply to everyone, and the first two of those are examples of privilege, but it still explains people on LessWrong.
According to most predictions I’ve seen, the very worst of the peak where I am has hit at this point. Perhaps it could get worse in a resurgence after opening up, but it seems likely to go down from here. Therefore, I want to get infected as late in this curve as possible. This is doubly true since as James_Miller points out, the methods for treating the virus are getting much better over time.
In addition, I’m willing to take a lot of personal sacrifices to avoid the chance of having significant long term damage to my lungs. I’ve seen some evidence online that even young people who get it and don’t seem to have negative symptoms still sustain lung damage that could take years off of their lifespans as well as lower long term quality of life.
Given all of that, it doesn’t make personal sense to get exposed now. Looking at the cost/benefits to the general community, I think it also makes sense for me to not get exposed. If I get sick, it’s an additional on local medical resources. My job is valuable enough that it wouldn’t make sense for me to work in that category of jobs where I would be interacting with vulnerable communities, especially since I don’t have any training as a healthcare worker.