Our approach to combating pandemics must shift to one that prioritizes prevention of human infections with zoonotic viruses, rather than focusing on rapid response once human infection is widespread.
I think the frequency of deaths after infection would need to be an order of magnitude higher to move the needle on preventative measures. People just assume it won’t effect them when 199 out of 200 people survive.
This measure of 199 out of 200 is the US population equivalent of 1,650,000 people.
So, roughly in the ballpark of how many COVID has killed thus far (best estimate I could find was a little over 1.2 million). Even that didn’t really motivate people, unfortunately.
The excess death metrics is a solid track of what people don’t want to talk about and forget as it’s painful, but I guess is human nature to bury these hard things rather than push them to get fixed.
I think the frequency of deaths after infection would need to be an order of magnitude higher to move the needle on preventative measures. People just assume it won’t effect them when 199 out of 200 people survive.
This measure of 199 out of 200 is the US population equivalent of 1,650,000 people.
Guess is time to start investing in the business of death and funerals.
So, roughly in the ballpark of how many COVID has killed thus far (best estimate I could find was a little over 1.2 million). Even that didn’t really motivate people, unfortunately.
The excess death metrics is a solid track of what people don’t want to talk about and forget as it’s painful, but I guess is human nature to bury these hard things rather than push them to get fixed.
With the boomers on the way out, the time is right whether or not we have another pandemic.