That's because you're judging the population density point out of context, which to be fair to me I provided within the same paragraph.

Like I had said, on its own it can never be the whole picture as it has to be combined with cultural practices and level of compliance.....also how well statistics are collected would also play its role within certain countries.

When you put all this together most countries tend to have the death rates that you would expect.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

Yes, the UK has a death rate nearly double that of Germany which has a very similar population density and a comparable level of health care.

Your argument would put the difference in deaths purely down to compliance?

I think if you had asked someone pre pandemic what they though death rates would be comparing Bangladesh to the UK they would have likely said that the UK would perform better.

There are obviously other factors to consider, however, what is very clear the UK has performed badly. Exactly why this is might take some time to fully understand. The government will not be partially interested in having the evidence examined as it’s unlikely to let them off lightly.

Mr Johnson will just say something like, “time to move on, or people are tired of hearing about that”.

I'm not going to claim we've covered ourselves in glory. Buy there a are far more factors at play than just population density.

Our free at the point of care health care system might not be as effective as other private systems in the world. Reporting on testing within 28 days of a positive test might be a bit sharper here than other places. Existing obesity rates and poor fitness levels in the population. Having an larger elderly population. Different weather conditions, etc etc

Some externalities of being a more prosperous nation might hit us harder than poorer nations. In other ways we might be better protected.

Given all the variables. It's going to be years until we can objectively assess this and come up with a standard measurement to qualitify what country performed best.

On top of that you'd have to assess the long term implications of lock down on the population. Impacts of Covid belly inactivity. Adverse affects of the development of the young.

Chuck enough metrics at it and the data will all be totally worthless - except to those who'd like a good debate.

No one really knows the truth yet.

Yes, compliance, density and methods of recording statistics, probably other factors but I'm no expert.

You may think the UK has performed badly but personally I'm more inclined to the view that there is an inflated opinion more contagious than the virus over how much a government can affect these statistics once density and compliance factors are taken in.

Of course they can destroy their economies finding out.....which is basically what has happened. Save some boomers while you place future generations into ever more heavier chains. It's always easier to have concern for the tragedy you see while it's far easier to ignore the far larger one being created.

Forgive my cynicism.

Edited by Stirlingsays (07 Oct 2021 7.46pm)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

Interesting I saw an article recently that said NHS staff were refusing (political reasons) to refer patients to private hospitals even though they had the capacity and the treatment had been paid for. I don't know what the truth is but somebody needs to get their act together.

One more point

Haha - no Daily Mail link there, then.

I am sorry Mr. S, but I can't refer you.

But Doctor, why not?

I am afraid to say that, from our records, it appears you are not a liberal democrat.