Go to ‘DEFCON-N95?’ This doctor says case rates should drive behavior

How should we respond to this record-breaking spike in COVID-19 cases? Dr. Kim Rhoads, who has been working on community-led responses since the beginning of the pandemic, says mixed messaging has created confusion. Instead, she tells people to base their behavior on how much virus is circulating — exercise more caution when case rates are high, including not rushing to get a test when you are feeling well but worried. She also reflects on the stigmatization of people who face high risks because of their jobs or living situations, and how privilege has led others to make riskier decisions than they should.