JimO
Well-known member
Here are some numbers to ponder:
Country - Population - Reported cases - Cases per million - Deaths - Deaths per Million
UK - 60,776,238 - 7,447 - 123 - 4 - 0.066
US - 308,013,761 - 37,966 - 123 - 186 - 0.60
First, if the reported cases are at all comparable between the US and UK, we currently have identical reported infection rates. This comparison assumes, of course, that reported cases represent the same number of actual cases, which is probably not supportable. Nevertheless, suffice it to say, for the sake of discussion, that we have similar infection rates. However, the CFR is 10x higher in the US, which is not likely due to under-reporting in the UK, given the recent concerns expressed by government health officials, and given how they have made their data available.
My point in this thread isn't to opine on the significantly different CFRs, but to point out the UK's proactive response, albiet their methods are in debate, and the subdued response of the CDC. The UK has predicted startling numbers in the short term and announced a major shift in their response strategy, while the CDC is still subdued, at least publicly, about what is likely to happen and the steps that are being taken to prepare. I find it hard to believe that scientists and physicians at the CDC are not preparing, rather, I believe they, for whatever reason, are holding back on announcing any plans that are being developed.
On a side note, the UK's prediction of 40 deaths per week by the end of the summer assumes their death rate won't increase. If it reaches that experienced in the US, they could have several hundred weekly deaths - sobering indeed.
Country - Population - Reported cases - Cases per million - Deaths - Deaths per Million
UK - 60,776,238 - 7,447 - 123 - 4 - 0.066
US - 308,013,761 - 37,966 - 123 - 186 - 0.60
First, if the reported cases are at all comparable between the US and UK, we currently have identical reported infection rates. This comparison assumes, of course, that reported cases represent the same number of actual cases, which is probably not supportable. Nevertheless, suffice it to say, for the sake of discussion, that we have similar infection rates. However, the CFR is 10x higher in the US, which is not likely due to under-reporting in the UK, given the recent concerns expressed by government health officials, and given how they have made their data available.
My point in this thread isn't to opine on the significantly different CFRs, but to point out the UK's proactive response, albiet their methods are in debate, and the subdued response of the CDC. The UK has predicted startling numbers in the short term and announced a major shift in their response strategy, while the CDC is still subdued, at least publicly, about what is likely to happen and the steps that are being taken to prepare. I find it hard to believe that scientists and physicians at the CDC are not preparing, rather, I believe they, for whatever reason, are holding back on announcing any plans that are being developed.
On a side note, the UK's prediction of 40 deaths per week by the end of the summer assumes their death rate won't increase. If it reaches that experienced in the US, they could have several hundred weekly deaths - sobering indeed.
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