What Are the numbers we
are seeing on coronavirus cases in the United States telling us, and what are
they failing to tell us?
Here are some statistics they ARE
telling us:
Recent data of coronavirus cases in
the United States show that 40% of those requiring hospitalization have been
between the ages of 20 and 54. For those in critical condition who
require intensive care, 12% have been between the ages of 20 and 44. The mortality rate from the virus remains
highest among the very old, with the greatest number of deaths being those 85
and older.
Here are some statistics they are
NOT telling us:
What percentage of these cases were
homeless people living on the streets?
What percentage were recently in a foreign country or on a cruise
ship?
Just
remember, you can prove either side of any argument by carefully choosing which
statistics you use, and which ones you suppress.
From what the published statistics
ARE telling us, the coronavirus has a much longer incubation period than Flu,
is far more contagious, and requires more hospitalizations, and even using the
most conservative number, it has a mortality rate ten times that of the flu (1%
compared to 0.1%).
But, because of what the statistics
are NOT telling us, we have no idea if our response has been too much or too
little, or if it will prove to have been just right. It certainly
seems unsustainable. But for now, stay home, wash your hands, and
pray. Perhaps I just have too much time
on my hands, and read too many articles like this one:
