In a recent LinkedIn post, Choo Ann NGOH explores the profound impact of limited information on decision-making, particularly during times of crisis. Drawing from personal experience during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, NGOH shares how uncertainty surrounding the virus and its potential treatments led to significant personal precautions.
NGOH recounts the initial confusion following the March 2020 lockdown and the subsequent reopening of schools in June 2020. During this period, information about effective treatments for the virus was scarce and often contradictory. NGOH highlights a specific concern related to hydroxychloroquine, noting its potential fatality for individuals with G6PD deficiency, a condition diagnosed in their child.
“When lockdown occurred in March 2020, I wasn’t sure what was happening. When schools reopened in June 2020, I read in multiple medical journals the only known cure for Covid-19 virus was hydroxychloroquine. My only concern was hydroxychloroquine is fatal to those with G6PD.”
The Impact of Personal Circumstances on Risk Assessment
NGOH’s personal circumstances significantly influenced the perceived risk and subsequent decisions. The diagnosis of G6PD deficiency in their child meant that potential treatments needed careful consideration to avoid adverse reactions. This led to a heightened sense of caution regarding the child’s safety, impacting decisions about school attendance.
“Because my boy minion cannot go school, I couldn’t risk sending my girl minion to school too 😱😅,” NGOH writes, illustrating how familial responsibilities amplify the weight of uncertainty.
Extreme Precautions Driven by Limited Data
The lack of definitive information about COVID-19 transmission and prevention measures compelled NGOH to adopt extreme protective measures. This included extensive use of disinfectants before and after grocery runs and upon entering the home.
“Every time before I go for a grocery run, I will mask up with a face shield and a face mask and I will spray myself head to toe. And every time before I enter my home, I spray myself head to toe. I err finish one bottle of spray in a week 🙈🙉🙊.”
NGOH emphasizes the parental drive to protect children, stating, “For me, I thought this was the only way I could keep my boy minion safe. Which parent wouldn’t want their minions to be safe one wor?🤷♂️” This quote underscores the emotional and psychological toll of making critical decisions under conditions of extreme uncertainty.
The Evolution of Decision-Making with Information Growth
A central theme in NGOH’s post is the direct correlation between the availability of information and the expansion of choices. As more data and clarity emerge, individuals are better equipped to make informed decisions. This contrasts sharply with the situation when information is scarce, leaving individuals feeling helpless or resorting to arbitrary methods to make choices.
NGOH reflects on this challenge, posing a rhetorical question to the audience:
“With limited information, our choices to decide become limited too. As more information becomes available, we have more choices to decide from as well (raises hand)🙋♂️but but but how do you decide when information is limited wor?🤷♂️ Flip a coin?🤷♂️😱😅”
The post serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role of reliable information in navigating personal and public health crises. NGOH’s candid sharing highlights the very human response to uncertainty and the relief that comes with greater clarity.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Choo Ann NGOH on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 23, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →