So why should everyone shut down their lives for those over 70? Can't they (who are most likely retired anyway) isolate if they are so afraid, or choose to live as per usual and assume the risk for their own health?
No, it shouldn't. The lives destroyed by the shutdown is worth more than the lives lost to the disease. Lives vs livelihood is very valid argument that gets thrown in the woodchipper whenever someone pulls out the "covid is a hoax" argument. Denying reality (that the morality rate for 70+ is 5%) hurts those of us who want to reopen knowing the risks.
Human behavior isn't logical, and decisions aren't made by carefully weighing the merits of the respective arguments. They are made by either manipulation or mob mentality, either of which require oversimplification. Hyperbole is a necessary component of our political environment, for good or ill
But did you see the chart that showed age on one axis and co-morbidity on the other? That gives you a more accurate picture. Someone in their 70s in good health has better odds than someone at the same age with multiple co-morbidities.
So why should everyone shut down their lives for those over 70? Can't they (who are most likely retired anyway) isolate if they are so afraid, or choose to live as per usual and assume the risk for their own health?
No, it shouldn't. The lives destroyed by the shutdown is worth more than the lives lost to the disease. Lives vs livelihood is very valid argument that gets thrown in the woodchipper whenever someone pulls out the "covid is a hoax" argument. Denying reality (that the morality rate for 70+ is 5%) hurts those of us who want to reopen knowing the risks.
Human behavior isn't logical, and decisions aren't made by carefully weighing the merits of the respective arguments. They are made by either manipulation or mob mentality, either of which require oversimplification. Hyperbole is a necessary component of our political environment, for good or ill
Wasn’t it 5% for 70+ with at least two co-morbidities? These stats were floating around a few weeks ago.
Just 5% for all 70+. I suspect it's probably 2% for 70 year olds and 10% for 90 years old.
But did you see the chart that showed age on one axis and co-morbidity on the other? That gives you a more accurate picture. Someone in their 70s in good health has better odds than someone at the same age with multiple co-morbidities.