Ian Jenkins

This coronavirus has an Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) of approximately 0.24% (the key metric in assessing the danger of a virus – for comparison the IFR of Influenza is between 0.1-0.2%). The IFR of this virus is possibly lower, as more asymptomatic and mild infections are being detected – most infections have always been in this category (with children barely affected at all) – and on any analysis of data the high mortality phase of the epidemic has passed.

The government and media are now using ‘cases’ (positive test results, which are deeply flawed in themselves) instead of deaths to justify the continuation of the insanity we are being forced to live through because, as with every novel virus, deaths have now fallen because most of those at risk have either died (though there are serious questions about the recording of deaths) or have recovered.

There are no daily announcements of revisions to the IFR of this coronavirus on the news though – of indeed mention of IFR at all

We currently have had six weeks of below average mortality, based on the last 5 years. What is certain is that it is irresponsible, indeed it could even be called deranged, to focus on a single factor in causing death while ignoring the grave effects of lockdown and the toll of other diseases and illnesses.

I see no serious concern from politicians over the huge spike in cardiac and cancer deaths, or in suicides and mental health effects – though non-Covid excess deaths following lockdown are estimated as high as 20,000.

Instead billions are being handed to some of the most morally dubious companies in the world to develop a vaccine – for which they will receive indemnity from any injuries caused. Also a software billionaire with a highly questionable history of business ethics and clear traits of megalomania is now allowed to call himself a health expert, although any health initiative that does not originate in a laboratory and is not delivered through a syringe appears to be of little or no interest to him, or increasingly to the organisations he funds through his philanthrocapitalist foundation, including the WHO.

All for a virus with an IFR of 0 24%.

I also see little concern over the draconian imposition of censorship and the attack on civil rights and on normal human interaction, which have been clearly shown by the statistics to have no appreciable effect on the course of the virus – though there still seem to be more planned for our ‘protection’ – many of which involve the institution of real time surveillance the likes of which humanity has never experienced.

Below you can find links to academic research dealing with recording of deaths and statistics for current mortality.

All this without even bringing in the disastrous economic effects – especially for small businesses, the self-employed and the arts and hospitality sectors that are so important in the UK and to the quality of our lives.

Depressions kill – check the mortality statistics for any previous depression or even recession.

If you are one of those on the ‘left’ pushing a false dichotomy between lives and the economy and talking only about about ‘big business’ (incidentally some of the largest corporations are doing great under lockdown), while ignoring the destruction of the majority of economic activity, which is that of SMEs and self-employed sole traders, I have nothing to say to you – your dogmatic foolishness, tolerance for tyranny, incapacity for nuance, refusal of data and tribalism both astound and disappoint me.

I will leave you with two questions:

When do you think all this should stop?

and

What is too high a price to pay to deal with a respiratory virus that appears to be moving from its epidemic to an endemic phase?

Links:  

ONS Registered Deaths in England and Wales – Week ending 27th July 

Research from Loughborough and Sheffield Universities suggests new approach to recording COVID deaths