I did not expect to repeat this topic again, but the WSJ had an editorial today pointing out the disconnect between news headlines and political statements touting a resurgent coronavirus wave and the reality of the infection found in public health system numbers.
The editorial is written from an economic perspective, however understanding the actual issues is just as important for health system planning and individuals actions. Hospitals actually may fail if we go back into “emergency mode” because of a coronavirus panic. Many have suffered severe financial losses and their staff are still suffering from the first shut down. Also, patients with regular medical issues are often still not being treated. The number of children missing vaccines is an enormous public heath concern!
Also, while individuals need to take care and continue to use appropriate protection measures including masks, having excessive fears about resurgence of COVID-19 leads to inappropriate behaviors with disinfectants and activities like hoarding.
We need to give people appropriate concerns so they act normally. Using the pandemic to generate fear for secondary gain puts everyone at risk.
