What promising projects aren't being done against the coronavirus?
By Mati_Roy @ 2020-03-22T03:30 (+5)
EtA: also see LessWrong Coronavirus Agenda ; consider posting there first (it was created before and has more activity)
See a list of existing projects here: http://covidprojects.org/
Davidmanheim @ 2020-03-22T08:32 (+8)
Mitigation work seems very low on neglectedness.
I'd encourage more work on planning for post-COVID reactions and policy proposals, as well as thinking about how EAs can be in a good position to influence such decisions.
Ramiro @ 2020-03-23T11:50 (+1)
Could you be more specific or provide an example?
Davidmanheim @ 2020-03-26T12:27 (+4)
People should be working on funding proposals for Bio-X risk mitigation policies, such as greater international coordination, better health monitoring systems, investment in non-disease specific symptomatic surveillance, and similar. These are likely to be far easier to fund in 3-6 months, as a huge pool of money is allocated to work on fixing the next pandemic.
Liface @ 2020-03-22T10:44 (+6)
How about using Chinese speaking volunteers to broker mask deals?
My sense is that the market between suppliers in China and hospitals in need in many countries isn't very efficient, but I could be wrong.
I have a call tomorrow with someone who knows more about wholesale buying in China.
Mati_Roy @ 2020-03-23T07:15 (+1)
I'd be curious to know how your call goes
Nicholas_Joseph @ 2020-03-22T06:40 (+2)
Just posted this, would love to get thoughts: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/hC5MP2AXMEoajiZ5L/app-for-covid-19-contact-tracing
Mati_Roy @ 2020-03-22T07:31 (+2)
Awesome! I just replied there.
Mati_Roy @ 2020-03-22T03:32 (+2)
1. Highly subsidized prediction market on the effectiveness of various possible interventions.
Alternatively: add this feature on other prediction aggregation platforms (see this feature suggestion on Metaculus)
Related: Do You Feel Lucky, Punk?
2. Inducement prize contests for various important milestones (maybe)
Mati_Roy @ 2020-03-29T03:04 (+1)
two of the main blockers for predictions markets seem to be 1) legality, and 2) subsidies. seems like this state of emergency / immediate potential benefit of prediction markets might be a good time to address 1), and maybe even 2)
Ramiro @ 2020-03-23T16:04 (+1)
Using rapid diagnostic tests for other respiratory infections to exclude covid-19 diagnosis?
Most Western countries have reached the limits of their testing capabilities; it'll take a while to deploy the new serological antibody rapid tests, and even so, we'll likely have a huge demand for them. Is it feasible to use other point-of-care rapid tests for different respiratory infections (particulalry Influenza, but I guess there might be rapid tests for Streptococcus, too) to exclude Covid-19 diagnosis?
Ramiro @ 2020-03-23T15:58 (+1)
Mitigation of negative effects of social distancing?
The economic effects are already being targeted (enough?). However, could we improve measures aiming at social and psychological effects? For instance, could we have a system to use public spaces in shifts, instead of making everyone stay at home -so ensuring everyone can enjoy sometime outdoors, without crowds?