1.7 When comparing deaths from #Covid19 to European countries, π±π§ is doing better than many (graph). However, the number of deaths has seen a steady rise lately. 2 recent graphs by @ChangSara help explain our current #Covd19 situation, and the crossroad we will be facing shortly.
2.7 Data by @DRM_Lebanon shows that during the past 2 weeks, public compliance with safety measures remained low and mostly unchanged despite record Covid cases and deaths. This is troubling. Irresponsible conduct is even more endangering when the virus is rampant in society.
3.7 Authorities have been ordering localized lockdowns and issuing more penalties(graphπ). Yet, media clips of businesses and individuals breaking the rules have been circulating and suggest difficulties in implementation. These measures till now have not had the desired impact.
4.7 Shifting the focus to hospitalization is not an answer. A week ago, ICU beds were nearly full. Additional 60 beds were added. But as @ChangSara shows, the daily # of patients in ICU had risen by 62 in three weeks(graph). How long before our ICU beds are nearly full again?
5.7 ICU bed capacity is not easy to expand. It is not about ventilators. The rate limiting step is the staff, as trained ICU nurses are in demand. In addition, any hospital staff allocated to the #Covid19 ward is probably being diverted away from other needed health services.
6.7 If the current course is maintained, a point will soon be reached where the increase in critical Covid cases outnumber the available ICU beds. This will coincide with the winter months when patients with pneumonia from other causes increase the demand on ICU beds.
7.7 Soon, π±π§ will be at a crossroad. Either a strict conduct is adopted by individuals and businesses, and enforced by authorities, or the number of deaths per million will rise sharply. Winter is almost here. People may be suffering from virus fatigue, but Covid does not care.
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