I think it’s easy to assume the worst if you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. Some of these postings are for positions with projects with tight collaboration with world-class zoonotic health labs, some involve multiple rounds of quarantine and test n/ https://twitter.com/marspidermonkey/status/1315740738500599810

Some projects are literally doing PCR COVID tests in a quarantine camp and no one goes in until everyone passes n/

Some projects posting positions have literally set the standards for responsibly studying apes re: health n/

as for year long field stays? Some sites are so remote it costs thousands to reach, shorter stays just aren't in anyone's best interest. n/ https://twitter.com/MARspidermonkey/status/1315741860330196993?s=20

And health insurance? Some universities won't allow expenses like these to be covered by project funds, but these costs are offset in part by the salaries provided to volunteers. Not ideal, but many projects work with volunteers to ensure safety and coverage n/

as for protecting and prioritizing local communities? I think it's hard to understand the complexities of each context a prim8 project is embedded within, and bringing in int'l researchers isn't inherently at odds with that as long as it's done responsibly https://twitter.com/MARspidermonkey/status/1315740738500599810?s=20

stopping research "full stop" isn't always the most ideal scenario for local communities (not to mention the primates!) either, and some project provide essential services to local communities as well