Thread by @ohanloncmr

So what’s the next plan. The confusion continues. More questions. @SusanMitchell_ @CMOIreland @MihaiVioreanu @DrJohnCurran @Care2much18 @RiochtConor2 @CcoHse @jlamber55605930 @MlMcNamaraTD @SenatorMcDowell

1/ So Sweden has posted its data for all cause mortality up to Oct this year and it seems that the figures as as low as any other year, lower in fact

https://twitter.com/grahamneary/status/1321516693848469504?s=21

2/ Next we have the Irish data

https://twitter.com/grahamneary/status/1317880321904431109?s=21

and we seem to be comparing very well with Europe

https://twitter.com/danobrien20/status/1321150204394037257?s=21

. And as always with thanks to the ongoing collation of data from Conor

https://twitter.com/riochtconor2/status/1321171685693947906?s=21

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3/ The data coming through for Ireland currently would suggest that the level 3 restrictions are beginning to work. And maybe we can debate the rationale for the 6 week lockdown google.ie/amp/s/www.iris…

4/ There are an increasing amount of concerning publications about the non Covid related morbidity and mortality with respect to lockdowns thepriceofpanic.com including UK data spectator.co.uk/article/the-gr…

5/ We remain concerned over the reduced level of cancer screening google.ie/amp/s/www.iris… and the significant catch up time now needed to get back on track google.ie/amp/s/www.iris….

6/ The data for mental health issues is significant

https://twitter.com/ccohse/status/1314531389325348865?s=21

. I believe as others do that there are alternatives to lockdowns google.ie/amp/s/www.iris….

7/ I think it’s clear that this pandemic has and will continue to have significant effects for non-COVID deaths express.co.uk/news/uk/135198….

8/ We have all read conflicting reports in recent months- is the Covid test too sensitive , are we detecting too many non infectious asymptomatic cases given the significant increases in testing.

9/ Are the restrictions too harsh? Is the risk associated with COVID in most age groups exaggerated?

https://twitter.com/care2much18/status/1321479414966878210?s=21

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10/ Two individuals who are looking at international datasets for COVID have very divergent views

https://twitter.com/care2much18/status/1321590914498834440?s=21

.

11/ I have always felt the issues are more basic. We should worry about widespread community transmission, and big jumps is cases, as inevitably this will lead statistically to more hospitalisations.

12/ And while most hospitalised patients now will do far better than those hospitalised earlier in the year, higher numbers in hospital will lead to other areas of healthcare delivery suffering (cancellations of elective surgery, patients fearful to attend hospital, etc).

13/ So what is the solution, what is the correct narrative to follow. The European data for France, Spain, Belgium etc is really concerning and I believe reflects the huge case numbers. So for me the approach is a balance between both approaches/arguments.

14/ Do we shut down our entire economy, no. Do we have a more tailored approach- yes. Do we re-emphasise the key aspect of personal responsibility to reduce case transmission- absolutely.