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How Do We Make Decisions Around Risk During The Pandemic?

Stacking up blocks that spell out R I S K

Think about the last risk you took.

Wheat does your brain think of? That new job? Or perhaps skydiving? How about trying a new food?

Now, put that in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. What's the risk factor if you went to the grocery store, went into the office with coworkers, or socialized with friends - even physically distanced.

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, we're making decisions and taking risks in a time of unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty. We're now faced with choices such as going to work and potentially being exposed to the virus, or not having enough money to pay or bills.
As the new school year approaches, do we send children to school and fear infection and possible spread?

On today's program, we will talk about the risks that we take as we make our way through this new reality. How do we make the decision to go to the grocery store, visit friends, go for a walk, or a bike ride with every action having the possible consequence of our contracting COVID-19?

First, a conversation with an engineer who's been gathering data, and applying that in a way that could help the rest of us assess community-based risk. Professor Kenneth Loparo will be sharing his research at a Science Cafe lecture tonight, via Zoom. That's Case Western Reserve University's monthly series, previously held at The Music Box Supper Club in the flats.

Later this hour, we'll talk with scientists who study epidemics and risk reduction, as well as those who study how we humans Tags

Drew Maziasz is a coordinating producer for the "Sound of Ideas" and also serves as the show’s technical producer.