Covid 19 Part XXXV-956,720 ROI (5,952 deaths) 452,946 NI (3,002 deaths) (08/01) Read OP

The data suggested Omicron was milder but there was multiple issues.

It was way more infectious meaning even if it was less severe it could still fill hospitals at a quicker rate.

Europe's populations demographics are significantly different to South Africa. South Africa only has about 5% of its population over 65. Many countries in Europe have more than 10% of their population over 65. (In Ireland it's around 14%) Both in the cohorts over 65 and under it, Europe has a higher prevalence of people living with comorbidities.

Many European countries and the U.S were still in the midst of a delta wave. Delta was a more severe variant it was unclear how the two would combine in terms of burden on the health system. The prediction was that Omicron would outcompete delta but how that would play out in the major hospitals was unknown and difficult to predict. Turns out vaccines did exceptionally well. Tiny %s in the vaccine cover of the most vulnerable make a huge difference!

Despite being milder Omicron may actually poses a greater risk to the most vulnerable. This is because they've simply a greater chance of being infected. Thankfully, vaccination and better understanding how to dose the immunocompromised mitigated those risks somewhat. Though it still sadly remains true. Some people are most at risk from Omicron than they were from other variants. The overall 'harm' inflicted on the population is thankfully much less.

Omicron was milder yes but it's revisionism to suggest the data was unequivocal. The picture as always is a murky grey. Compared to the original wild type Omicron is not actually that less severe. It's just there's greater immunity in the population now due to previous infections and vaccination. There's also better medical treatments and understanding of the management of the disease leading to better outcomes and shorter hospital stays. Predicting how that would pan out with a newly discovered variant in a different population demographic is incredibly difficult.

As we’ve said she’s independent sage! She’s a afraid of her own shadow! You don’t need to be on twitter to look at her tweets! She doesn’t believe in us going back to normal!

Right. Thats a lot of exclamation points. I've tried looking at her old tweets, Twitter keeps asking me to join and stops me. Again, as I keep asking, what was the issue with her Twitter thread? What is it that makes you break out in exclamation points. Yourself and the original poster keep going on about how she is a nutter, yet wont answer what was so crazy about that twitter thread.

A friend is currently positive. His mum felt fairly rough but has been testing negative on antigens all week, went for a PCR and it was positive.

It's so weird to look at covid coverage in other forums with different cultures. If you look at any of the "normal" subs (i.e. ones with an American bias) in reddit like r/news, the most popular comments are the ones advocating an approach where they still think they can control this.

There's one right now about how states are beginning to drop mask requirements, and most of the top comments are basically calling it crazy. One popular comment is

Emphasis is theirs, not mine. So bizarre. This individual thinks that it's reasonable for there to be some kind of permanent "covid alert system" that requires people to wear expensive masks during high season. And the comment is heavily upvoted.

I've stopped engaging in any COVID conversations on reddit because if you dare suggest even the tiniest bit that the hysteria is unnecessary, they get even more hysterical.

I wonder did the pandemic become so politicised in the US that people are unwilling to stand near the middle ground lest they appear to be on the wrong side?

fkn looney HQ she is

11065 cases

You’re still missing the point - I’ve acknowledged it’s fair to wait to evaluate effect on healthcare systems wrt specific locations, as there are many variables, lingering Delta, indoor seasonal aspect etc, less or more natural immunity, increased transmission fuelling more short stay hospitalisations - yes all of that.

However the fact that the much-reduced virulence of Omicron was showcased to the world by SA scientists with robust evidence, and that it was so easily swept aside in favour of maintaining a political upper hand is revolting. This is not revisionism. The data was not murky grey. Omicron is , and was known to be, mild. Vaccines have aided our emergence from an emergency, and therapeutics are welcome and overdue.

We do ourselves no service by selectively assessing good scientific analysis and dispensing it or not according to vested political determinations.

Can anybody give me a logical reason as to why I’d have to wear a mask in a shop but not in a pub?? I’m sick shît of the bastering things! This crap from MM then. Why??? It makes fûck all sense!! I can be in a nightclub with hundreds and with colleagues but will have to wear a mask at work the following Monday in a large open retail space with doors constantly open and air conditioning!!

I just can’t understand it! People might think I’m stupid or whatever but this is just stupid rhetoric by our “leader”!!!!

I don't understand the showing we are doing something thing you are saying? I mean if everyone in the shop is wearing a mask it will reduce the spread no?

The workers in pubs and clubs are still wearing then too

The pub workers one is stupid as well, the chef isn’t customer facing so he doesn’t have to wear a mask…. Go **** figure that one out. He/she isn’t but the waiter is. It’s a joke

You wear a mask to protect others . In a shop or heathcare setting you are more likely to encounter the elderly or vulnerable

They are less likely to be in a pub or at least have a choice but they need to go to shops or chemist etc

Yes its a pain as it is for health care workers also but it is what it is

Personally I wear mine to protect others and will probably continue to do so while they are at risk

I have to say the atmosphere in the pubs in Galway over the past few weekends has been electric. Packed and everyone in good form. Not many people wearing masks either which makes it feel very normal.

Yip they are pointless