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Sure it is. The caveat is that the CDC will only be providing information, rather than playing politics but the point is that this is not only ok, but desirable

Sure it is. The caveat is that the CDC will only be providing information, rather than playing politics but the point is that this is not only ok, but desirable. Let other departments spin the message. If the CDC doesn't stick to science and facts they'll undermine their own authority (which to a large degree they've already done).

blagie 5y ago
Yup. I think the problem in the current truthiness and messaging is that the CDC -- and more broadly the scientific establishment -- have undermined their own credibility. It's really hard to roll that back.
michaelt 5y ago
If I ask the CDC whether I should wear a mask to the grocery store today, what would you consider a clear but politics-free response to that question?
- s1artibartfast 5y ago
  "As of [todays date], the CDC recommends the use of masks in indoor spaces. Droplet transmission is currently thought to be the leading mechanism of Covid-19 transmission and masks have been shown to reduce the quantity of droplets expelled and inhaled. Definitive data is not available on how effective masks are on reducing transmission of Covid-19 specifically."
  - throwaway09223 5y ago
    Precisely. What not to say might include "If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask" followed by an about-face a few months later. It's well-established that the CDC knowingly provided bad advice about the need for masks in spring 2020 to avoid a run on masks: https://web.archive.org/web/20200329005833/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html https://web.archive.org/web/20200329005833/https://www.cdc.g... Someone in a position of medical authority knowingly giving harmful advice is incredibly damaging and unethical.
    - s1artibartfast 5y ago
      Agreed, an alternative statement could be: "As of [todays date], the CDC does not recommend the use of masks in indoor spaces by people without Covid-19 symptoms. Droplet transmission is currently thought to be the leading mechanism of Covid-19 transmission and masks have been shown to reduce the quantity of droplets expelled and inhaled. Definitive data is not available on how effective masks are on reducing transmission of Covid-19 specifically. Despite the possible benefit, the CDC recommends reserving masks for the sick, healthcare workers, and high risk groups while the current shortage of available N95 masks is in effect." The point is to provide accurate information. Lying might have short-term benefits in manipulating behavior, but destroys trust. If the run on masks is still a problem, the solution should have been more government involvement in the the supply chain and distribution of the masks.
Brybry 5y ago
Even sticking to science and facts they undermine their authority. New data or corrected mistakes change information and a significant portion of the public does not appear to handle that well. See: the information on the effectiveness of cloth masks, the information on pathogen particle size and transmission distance, and terminology used.

blagie 5y ago

Yup. I think the problem in the current truthiness and messaging is that the CDC -- and more broadly the scientific establishment -- have undermined their own credibility. It's really hard to roll that back.

michaelt 5y ago

If I ask the CDC whether I should wear a mask to the grocery store today, what would you consider a clear but politics-free response to that question?

s1artibartfast 5y ago
"As of [todays date], the CDC recommends the use of masks in indoor spaces. Droplet transmission is currently thought to be the leading mechanism of Covid-19 transmission and masks have been shown to reduce the quantity of droplets expelled and inhaled. Definitive data is not available on how effective masks are on reducing transmission of Covid-19 specifically."
- throwaway09223 5y ago
  Precisely. What not to say might include "If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask" followed by an about-face a few months later. It's well-established that the CDC knowingly provided bad advice about the need for masks in spring 2020 to avoid a run on masks: https://web.archive.org/web/20200329005833/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html https://web.archive.org/web/20200329005833/https://www.cdc.g... Someone in a position of medical authority knowingly giving harmful advice is incredibly damaging and unethical.
  - s1artibartfast 5y ago
    Agreed, an alternative statement could be: "As of [todays date], the CDC does not recommend the use of masks in indoor spaces by people without Covid-19 symptoms. Droplet transmission is currently thought to be the leading mechanism of Covid-19 transmission and masks have been shown to reduce the quantity of droplets expelled and inhaled. Definitive data is not available on how effective masks are on reducing transmission of Covid-19 specifically. Despite the possible benefit, the CDC recommends reserving masks for the sick, healthcare workers, and high risk groups while the current shortage of available N95 masks is in effect." The point is to provide accurate information. Lying might have short-term benefits in manipulating behavior, but destroys trust. If the run on masks is still a problem, the solution should have been more government involvement in the the supply chain and distribution of the masks.

Brybry 5y ago

Even sticking to science and facts they undermine their authority. New data or corrected mistakes change information and a significant portion of the public does not appear to handle that well. See: the information on the effectiveness of cloth masks, the information on pathogen particle size and transmission distance, and terminology used.