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The alternative is letting it widely infect the population leading to 5%+ of symptomatic cases dying (which could be as much as 2% of the overall population) an
by ummonk 7y ago
The alternative is letting it widely infect the population leading to 5%+ of symptomatic cases dying (which could be as much as 2% of the overall population) and people being unable to get critical medical attention for any ailments while this is happening. You don't think the economy would shut down in the scenario, if only from upper-middle-class and up individuals quitting their jobs and bunkering down to save their own skins?
- grey-area 7y agoFlattening the curve is not an alternative to letting it widely infect the population, it is just managing the rate of infection slightly. The same number end up infected.
- ummonk 7y agoThat is correct, which is why flattening the curve (as the UK intends to do) is not the optimal response - the optimal response is to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading to most of the population, as South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Singapore have all done. And as Italy is belatedly in the process of accomplishing.
- grey-area 7y agoItaly is way too late for that. Also I think you’re a little early declaring victory for China etc.
- mytailorisrich 7y agoThe UK is giving contradictory signals. Trying to get herd immunity by winter is not flattening the curve to a level remotely manageable.