In this strange time when so many of us are shut up in our homes, suppose you had the opportunity to ask somebody questions who knew exactly what was happening outside.

Suppose he was an MD who understood the coronavirus in detail

and that he held a doctorate in economics

that enabled him to understand

the economic implications of the virus.

That describes my own position right now.

I'm about to speak with Dr. J. Baddacharya,

professor of medicine, and my friend right here at Stanford. Jay, thanks for making the time to join us.

My pleasure, Peter. This is a special plague time edition of

Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson. I'm Peter Robinson.

Jay's in his office because he's considered an essential worker. I'm at home

because whatever else I am I'm not essential.

And so we're recording this thing online.

Jay, here's the first question.

How bad is it?

You published a piece in the Wall Street Journal this past Tuesday, March 24th.

We're recording this on Friday.

Quote, if it's true that the coronavirus would kill millions without shelter and place orders and quarantine,

then the extraordinary measures are surely justified, but there's little evidence to confirm that premise.

Explain that. evidence to confirm that premise.

Explain that.

Yeah, so I think the key thing to know about the virus

...