COVID-19 death rate lowered to about double that of flu

The COVID-19 death rate  was lowered recently  by  the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  to  about double that of flu.    The lowered death rate for the virus is vastly   lower from the initial 2+ million that were estimated to die from COVID-19. Currently, 5.4 MILLION have contracted it and 348 thousand have died world wide. 

A thought:  We don’t  close the  entire USA economy because of the flu (which kills between 30-60 THOUSAND a year)  and, had  the CDC and public officials known  the correct numbers,  we would not have closed the entire USA  economy over a death rate  double the flu.

Given what we know now — that  COVID-19 has a double the flu rate — what stops or slows the  re-opening up fully and quickly?

Politics?     Democrats are looking  ahead to  the USA  2020 elections.  Back of their minds:  How can the Democrats get votes by blaming Trump?

Remember, the original numbers  estimating COVID-19 deaths were based on computer models.    The real numbers that suggest a death rate similar  to flu  are based on data of actual deaths.

The same Democrat run states –  including California  and New  York –that are loudest in demanding a USA  federal rescue have hurt themselves  the most with long, strict lockdowns and tax spend policies.

Blue states run by Democrats  reopen slower.  They represent about 1/3 of the economy.  About 2/3 in New York and New Jersey  half of leisure and hospitality jobs in CA disappeared between Feb. and April compared to  43% in Florida.

Is this a political tactic?   People dependent upon the government  for groceries and rent are more likely to vote Democrat in the 2020 elections.

Some churches in CA have pushed back and the Gov. has changed course.   CA Gov. Newsom  relaxed rules which will allow churches in CA  re-open with strict rules.  Various CA  churches  have sued  Newsom and planned to open by  May 31, Pentecost Sunday.

So what to do when out in public?    Wash hands and social distance.  Those changes  seem sensible.

Wearing masks seems problematic.  Taking in clean air is a lot harder to do with a mask on.     Persons with breathing difficulties  will have even  more difficulties.   The USA has lots of children with asthma issues.   Turning one’s head  and covering one’s mouth are easier to do  and these were practices taught eons ago.  Those practices  could be resurrected.

Don’t forget where the COVID-19 virus came from:  China.  Chinese officials and politicians  locked down China and protected their country   from the virus and at the same time they  loosed the virus on the world. Now over 190 countries have dead citizens because of Chinese policies.

Will China be held  accountable? If we can’t change China we can change our policies.  Let’s make sure our medicines are made in the USA and not in China.

Your thoughts?    email DrCameronJackson@gmail.com