COVID-19 in other countries 2021

With my IPs, I see it every day .

 

It appears is more deadly also, in that per 1000 cases of the old strain, 10 will die .. whereas it's 13-14 with the new strain

 

UK not quite in total lockdown, they´re allowed to walk outside and to travel to work.
At least the US and UK on a downward trend now, unlike here and Portugal, this third wave is the biggest, over 42000/day in Spain, UK variant in Barcelona now also (17 cases). Three Kings day Jan 6 did a lot of the damage, & very cold weather keeping everyone inside.

As many people getting covid as getting vaccinated (70K/day) presuming only half of cases detected. Guess that will speed up the herd immunity, at some point should see cases fall off a cliff.

 

I hope that cliff comes soon for you @Casteller

 

So there has been some recent speculation that Japan may not hold the Olympics in which case it won't be postponed again it will just happen next in 3 years time.
I can totally understand that it would be extremely risky for Japan to allow so many countries to come in and be a logistical nightmare - just look at how the small Australian Open struggled.
I think the writing is on the wall and there won't be an Olympics.

 

I agree. Its an awful decision to make and no one knew we'd be battling the pandemic at these levels when the decisions were made.
Sad for Tokyo and sad for all the athletes who's careers won't make it to 2024 events.

 

I suspect the Tokyo Olympics will proceed.

Firstly the athletes will be willing to attend, regardless of the risk. Keep in mind most of them are under the age of 25, COVID is something that affects old people and most of the world isn't taking it that seriously anyway. They'll weigh the risk of infection vs the opportunity to compete at the games (once in a lifetime for many). They'll be quite happy to go. In their shoes I know I would; the opportunity outweighs the risk.

Secondly many countries will have been deploying the vaccine and will be starting to see the results of that. The US and Europe will finally be starting to slow the disease and be thinking that they've got it under control. It'll likely be premature, but they won't know that at the time..

Thirdly Japan has invested billions in the games. The next opening is in 11 years which means the money would be all but wasted if they abdicate now. They'll rationalise it by attempting to vaccinate all of the incoming visitors well before they arrive. They'll reduce attendance at various events to try to implement social distancing. They'll mandate mask wearing. Apparently about 80% of the public may not support the games, but the officials and government will think it will work.

It probably won't work. Japan will see significant super spreader events. They have an aging population which will overwhelm their medical facilities, but by that time the games will be over. For now though they'll convince themselves it will be okay and bow to international pressure.

 

For up to date info about why Europe is in such s mess ... can't go past Dr John's daily update. He calls a spade a spade with no sugar coating

 

His video from Saturday is a bit depressing. "Tsunami" of Covid infections coming with new variants. Hope he´s wrong, as he does also, but it explains the various spikes seen in a few countries.

 

One year on from the first cases appearing outside of China.

World: 100.3M cases/2.15 M fatalities
US: 25.4M cases/0.425 M fatalities

 

Mmmmmmmm?

 

Listening to the mess that is Portugal last night - hospitals overwhelmed, oxygen running out ... heart breaks for them and a shocking way to learn the lesson of letting tourists in

Portugal extends lockdown and closes border over 'terrible' Covid outbreak

prime minister, António Costa, told the TVI channel that things were not “bad” but “terrible”. He added: “There’s no point in feeding the illusion that we are not facing the worst moment."

 

Tourists were more responsible for the second wave in Portugal and Spain (Sep-Nov). This third wave has resulted more from Xmas/New Year/3 Kings(only a thing in Spain and Portugal), and the new UK virus variant, (& Winter...?).

Hasn´t been many tourists in the last 5 months, entry from UK banned for a while unless resident here, from Schengen with a -ve test. Portugal the same.