alt Hacker NewsUpdate as of 10 minutes ago implies that didn't work:
> Current status: We’re continuing to pursue all available pathways to restore service, as our actions taken thus far have not provided the anticipated relief. Our investigation has found that a core process on the affected servers is becoming overwhelmed, which causes the servers to stop responding and contributes to the capacity loss.
So health checks were correct… this solution of silencing the first symptom is probably just adding to the problem. I am afraid they may be opening the door for the fire trucks and getting some other kind of intrusion instead. Better they shut it down for day and do proper fix.