Lockdown Mania

Lockdowns don't stop the virus they merely spread the impact over a longer time period and delay the gradual walk toward a general population immunity,

As soon as you open up a little bit case numbers will go up. They have to. Case numbers though are the least important of the big three items - Hospitalization rates and death rates matter more.

However you cannot lockdown repeatedly. It isn't sustainable. In fact it is insane as a blunt instrument for the general population Lockdowns are already causing much harm at present and this will compound matters in the future viz.increases in suicide rates. delayed cancer screening, domestic violence etc. Economic impacts are not health neutral.

Regional shutdowns as well as vulnerable group specific lockdowns (clamping down on elderly care facilities) based on demographic data makes more sense.This is the approach most consistent with the scientific evidence.

Politicians for the most part like broader lockdowns as it is a win-win. Should case numbers go down they can thank the lockdown. If they go up they can then claim that it would be worse if they hadn't locked down.

It also creates the illusion that they are in control, They aren't.

If the vaccine arrives in a timely manner we could see relief but that is a big IF. Remember we have never produced a successful vaccine against a coronavirus. Sorry folks...reality is bitch.

Granted we have a concerted worldwide effort here but we are still playing by mother nature's terms not ours.

Oh and for the record masks help (I wear them myself) however they aren't a guarantee that you will avoid contamination. Use them but don't turn them into an item of devotion or virtue signalling.