3 ms·

Not really understanding the editorializing in the headline here. The CDC isn't characterizing these recommendations as "sweeping changes", certainly. And at

Not really understanding the editorializing in the headline here. The CDC isn't characterizing these recommendations as "sweeping changes", certainly. And at a first read they all seem quite sensible to me, and in line with general scientific consensus. Some of them might be expensive, sure. It's a global pandemic, is it the government's job to make it magically free, somehow?

munificent 6y ago
I believe you're interpreting "sweeping" to be negative, but the word itself is neutral and just describes the magnitude of change.
dmurray 6y ago
You're reading too much into it. "Sweeping" means broad or widespread or large. It's not a judgement on whether the changes are sensible, scientifically sound or should be funded by the government.
triyambakam 6y ago
I hate the meme of a "scientific consensus" especially with this current topic. It really goes against the core of what science is. There is no "consensus" at this time about coronavirus, even if there are certain large groups that agree - that's not consensus. Perpetuating this idea that there is "scientific consensus" means that implicitly there are certain scientists that should be excluded because of their work or perspective in order to create this consensus (exclude those who disagree so that all agree). Science, in the strict and true sense, denotes knowledge. Because knowledge is boundless, a scientist is an eternal revisionist; his overarching goal is to falsify his existing understanding, either by making new, contradictory observations, or by proposing better theories.
- newacct583 6y ago
  I'm sorry, can you be specific? What recommendations in this CDC document reflect science on which you feel there is significant uncertainty or disagreement? This is almost all just straightforward isolation requirements. Social isolation as a disease prevention strategy has been practiced and studied for literally millenia. Yes, it's very much "scientific consensus". Sure, there are questions unanswered, and there always will be. I don't see how that's relevant to "keep your workers from getting too close and keep your air from circulating unfiltered among them".
  - triyambakam 6y ago
    Sorry for the confusion, I'm referring to the parent poster's mention of "scientific consensus", not directly related to the CDC guidelines. There is a strong meme of talking about "what the science says" as if there is only one unified Science (TM) and people (scientists, even) who have differing views are either not real scientists or crazy
falcolas 6y ago
The change to elevator and stairway rules to incorporate social distancing is sweeping. NY offices (and other skyscraper-based office buildings) will, practically, never re-open while everyone had to maintain strict 6' distances.

munificent 6y ago

I believe you're interpreting "sweeping" to be negative, but the word itself is neutral and just describes the magnitude of change.

dmurray 6y ago

You're reading too much into it. "Sweeping" means broad or widespread or large. It's not a judgement on whether the changes are sensible, scientifically sound or should be funded by the government.

triyambakam 6y ago

I hate the meme of a "scientific consensus" especially with this current topic. It really goes against the core of what science is. There is no "consensus" at this time about coronavirus, even if there are certain large groups that agree - that's not consensus. Perpetuating this idea that there is "scientific consensus" means that implicitly there are certain scientists that should be excluded because of their work or perspective in order to create this consensus (exclude those who disagree so that all agree). Science, in the strict and true sense, denotes knowledge. Because knowledge is boundless, a scientist is an eternal revisionist; his overarching goal is to falsify his existing understanding, either by making new, contradictory observations, or by proposing better theories.

newacct583 6y ago
I'm sorry, can you be specific? What recommendations in this CDC document reflect science on which you feel there is significant uncertainty or disagreement? This is almost all just straightforward isolation requirements. Social isolation as a disease prevention strategy has been practiced and studied for literally millenia. Yes, it's very much "scientific consensus". Sure, there are questions unanswered, and there always will be. I don't see how that's relevant to "keep your workers from getting too close and keep your air from circulating unfiltered among them".
- triyambakam 6y ago
  Sorry for the confusion, I'm referring to the parent poster's mention of "scientific consensus", not directly related to the CDC guidelines. There is a strong meme of talking about "what the science says" as if there is only one unified Science (TM) and people (scientists, even) who have differing views are either not real scientists or crazy

falcolas 6y ago

The change to elevator and stairway rules to incorporate social distancing is sweeping. NY offices (and other skyscraper-based office buildings) will, practically, never re-open while everyone had to maintain strict 6' distances.