March 15, 2020 8:50 pm

Monday, Get the Facts About Coronavirus (COVID-19) from Neil deGrasse Tyson and Dr. Irwin Redlener

It’s a pandemic. It’s taken over the media. And, probably all of the conversations you’ve had in the past week. So, it’s time that StarTalk sets the record straight on the Coronavirus by using the best method available – science. On this week’s episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are investigating COVID-19 (Coronavirus) with Dr. Irwin Redlener, Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness.

We start with the basics: What is COVID-19? What’s the big deal? Irwin gives us the scoop on why this disease is making waves throughout the world. Find out the similarities between the coronavirus and the seasonal flu. Irwin tells us what we know and what we don’t know about the disease so far.

You’ll learn about possible vaccines and the timetables involved in creating an expedited vaccine. In the meantime, Irwin explains the simple steps you can take to make sure you are combating COVID-19 to the best of your abilities.

We discuss whether people are over-reacting to this outbreak. And if they are, why. Discover more about the most important aspects of disaster preparedness when it comes to virus outbreaks. We also discuss the United States’ underwhelming early responses in the face of this pandemic. You’ll hear about the importance of good and transparent communication between citizens and their government. Lastly, Irwin tells us why he has hope that things will get better in due time. All that, plus, we answer your-fan submitted Cosmic Queries.

Please join us tomorrow for Understanding the Coronavirus at 3pm ET right here on our website, as well as on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you’re a StarTalk+ Patron or an All-Access subscriber, you can watch or listen to this episode ad-free at 3pm, too.

That’s it for now. Keep Looking Up!
-Ian Mullen