By Sigrid Weidenweber
As the days pass, every hour, new information is being disseminated about the death count of the infectious corona virus. New models with projections of how many citizens can be counted on to die are put forth, only to be countered with different numbers a few hours later. It began with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease in the NIH, when he made a statement on January 26, as he was then being interviewed by John Catsimatidis. He said Americans should not be worried about the Chinese Virus. “It’s a very low risk in the United States.”
Since this enormous underestimation, he predicted 100K plus potential deaths in the U. S., as reported March 29, 2020 in the Associated Press. Then he said there could be fewer deaths. On April, 9, 2020 he guessed there could be as few as 60,000, as reported by Emily Czachor.
The good doctor spewed out unverifiable data practically every day, as he gloried in TV-importance. At one point, early on, he predicted that the corona virus problem could be with us deep into 2021. It seemed he relished that prospect.
There is an other aspect of our dilemma that I observed. A growing number of Corona Celebrities have evolved, all sounding equally important and all-knowing, each bringing forth models and statistics, and I predict all will be loath to give up the lime-light.
With all the projections, models and over-estimations, as in the over projections of needed New York beds and supplies, (it is interesting that not one under-estimate has been made,) the American citizen, relegated to his home is treated like a pathogen-carrying sheep confined to a pen by governmental entities. Our capacity to think for ourselves, and our life-time acquired knowledge is being dismissed by little potentates who never thought they could wield that much power over their fellow citizens.
It seems the fewer cases of the virus are counted, the more draconian the measures become. Last week I was in Costco without masque, now everyone is to have one, in a county without virus deaths. Never mind the fact that masques still cannot be bought anywhere.
One of the latest suggestions from the esteemed virus-cognoscenti was to eliminate shopping for groceries. Have these highly educated people forgotten that we, the “potentially pathogen carriers” must eat, and will die quicker without food than we would from any virus.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Citizens Journal
Sigrid Weidenweber grew up in communist East Berlin, escaping it using a French passport. Ms. Weidenweber holds a degree in medical technology as well as psychology and has course work in Anthropology. She is co-founder of Aid for Afghans. Weidenweber has traveled the world and lived with Pakistani Muslims, learning about the culture and religion. She is a published author and lecturer. You can find her books on Amazon.com
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Estimates are just that, estimates. Meaning that no one can predict how the virus will spread because honestly, no one can. You can have estimates based on propagation data, and then local authorities can implement measures to try and curb the spread. If good measures are implemented, then the number of cases will drop, which will change the data models and thus change the estimates. This is such a simple, tremendous concept, but you’re over complicating it bigly.
The only way to curb the spread of this virus before a vaccine is developed, is to stay away from others who could be infected. Or if you need to be in public, then try to protect yourself and those around you by wearing a mask. Do this as much as possible. No one will arrest you if you have to go out in public to take care of your needs. No one’s confining you to your sheep pen. But if you do go out, understand that there’s a risk.
As far as the spread of misinformation is concerned, YOU are by far one of the worst. Masks can be bought online just about anywhere. Not N95 masks, but you don’t need those unless you’re in close contact with infected patients in close quarters, where you’re breathing the same air. Out in public, you don’t need N95, just a simple face covering will do. But you know that, don’t you? This too is a tremendously simple concept, and you’re over complicating it hugely.
Do us all a favor. Either stop spreading fear, paranoia, and misinformation, or go out there without your mask and prove to us that’s it’s all fake news. Shake hands, talk to other like-minded people in close proximity, don’t wash your hands before touching your face or eating. Lead us all out of this quarantine misery. Be the leader that we all yearn for. Make sure to take pictures and videos to prove tonus you’re not a fake. But you know that you won’t. This too is a simple concept for you: fake opinions from a fake personality.
Sincerely,
Patriotic American Citizen