Updated 2:56pm 4/6/2020
This thread will be continually updated to provide resources, and most importantly, discuss how COVID-19 interacts with Noisebridge. For reference, I have worked in global HIV for about a decade, including some experience (but not my primary focus) with population infection modelling, and my current work is all about vetting good / bad science and stats both in academia and in media/social media.
California is under a stay-at-home order, which current extends to at least May 3. Noisebridge is closed !!
Stay at home order is available here.
Is Noisebridge exempted by being an "essential service / business
Our legal counsel has advised that this would be extremely unlikely to be classified as an essential service, and that violation of the order would have extreme consequences for Noisebridge. In the unlikely event that the city deems Noisebridge as an essential service, we would need to put in place a plan, as outlined by @fnord below.
Who should my primary source of information be on COVID-19 issues?
Ars Technica has been doing an AMAZING job at keeping on top of the latest on everything COVID-19 related. It is well-sourced, well-reported, comprehensive, and constantly updated. They are now my recommended go-to for general COVID-19 information.
CDC’s main landing page for everything is here
For more local SF updates, the Chronical has been doing a decent job so far. Live news updates here, map and case tracker here.
What should I, personally, do in general?
Minimize social contact, wash your hands with soap (regular old soap works even better than alcohol), and listen for updates from people who actually know what they are talking about.
DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, etc for either treatment or prevention.
There is effectively ZERO evidence that these are effective for COVID-19 (we will have much better information in a few weeks), and they have potentially deadly side-effects. There are also shortages of these drugs, which takes them away from people who need it. This is critical, life or death stuff.
What should I, personally, do to be excellent at Noisebridge?
Noisebridge is closed due to city orders. Access for critical reasons is a work in progress, but the best way to be excellent is to respect the closure.
When will COVID-19 blow over and we can go back to normal?
The best projections would suggest that we are in this for quite a while, in the realm of several months. This is a fast moving thing, and we don’t really know yet Chances are, though, that we’re in this for the long haul, so don’t expect that it will all just go away in a few weeks.
"Hey I found this Medium article that seem-"*
STOP. Who is the author? Does that person have any relevant credentials or experience in infectious disease epidemiology, public health, etc.? Please stick to well-vetted sources (which I will be updating above). Not sure? Send me a message in private, and I’ll help you vet it.
Quick guide to making things in a time of crisis:
Excited to see what y’all can do, but a few general guidelines and caveats that everyone should be aware of to make sure that we are helping. It’s really easy to accidentally do harm and take up space, even with the best of intentions right now. Sometimes the best thing is to do nothing and listen, and that’s ok too! But let’s see what you got!
Does the thing already exist?
Should you instead promote or support the already existing thing? Is what you are doing better, more sustainable, reach a different population, etc?
If the thing doesn’t exist, why doesn’t it exist?
It could be that there is a reason for it. Consider checking in with the people who will be impacted or are have relevant expertise in the area first.
Are you going to be able to support the thing for the next few months?
We’re in this for the long haul, so vapor-ware and lack of support are real concerns.
Where should I start?
One EXCELLENT way to go is to think hyper local. Usually, on a large scale there’s someone already handling things, but it doesn’t get all the way to everyone. Where are gaps that are around you? For example, this post is very specific for the Noisebridge community.
From @boredzo: Look/listen for existing needs. Like, right now, the SF-Marin Food Bank is crying out for warehouse volunteers. If you want to help this crisis, can spare the time, and can risk going out, that’s a great way to help mitigate it for a lot of people. (Plus, food banks always need money with which to buy goods. Consider setting up a monthly donation.)
There’s also been a steep drop-off in blood donations (many of which come from blood drives at workplaces, which are now shuttered). If you’re eligible to donate blood (and yes, some of the exclusion criteria are bullshit), that’s a great way to help with other medical needs that continue to exist amid this crisis