Should Disney World Stay Closed?
With rising case numbers in Florida, many readers have been increasingly vocal that it’s too soon for the Walt Disney World theme parks to reopen. In this post, we’ll look at whether opening should be postponed, with the potential pros & cons, plus ramifications of the parks staying closed for now.
As you’re undoubtedly aware, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are set to reopen on July 11, followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15. These reopening dates were set over one month ago, at a time when Florida’s new daily case numbers were at a fraction of their current levels.
This upward trend has prompted one local union and many guests to urge Walt Disney World to remain closed, worrying that the major tourist destination will only exacerbate Florida’s woes. With Disneyland delaying its planned reopening, more have suggested Walt Disney World should follow suit. So…should Walt Disney World stay closed for now?
We’ll be blunt and up-front: we truly do not know. We’re humble enough to admit that, and would likewise suggest the same is true for you. The problems facing Disney and Florida leaders are complex ones, with no easy answers.
Rather than presuming to have the requisite knowledge (we absolutely do not) to address every component of this convoluted issue, we’ll cover a few and analyze those, while clearly acknowledging that there is much more we simply do not know.
Obviously, new daily cases have risen. The Florida Department of Health reported 8,942 new cases last Friday, followed by 9,585 new cases on Saturday. These numbers shattered the previous daily high of 5,508 infections made earlier in the week. This week, numbers have been trending in the right direction, with 6,093 new cases being this week’s high.
Closer to home, Central Florida now has 25,727 cases, up 1,440 from a day earlier. Orange County’s latest heat map shows fewer cases along the tourist corridor (which includes Universal Orlando), with far more in the downtown Orlando area. Nevertheless, we won’t sugarcoat it–that’s still an alarming number of new cases. It’s also exponentially more than when Walt Disney World made the decision to reopen. This alone is sufficient basis for many to believe Walt Disney World is reopening too soon.
However, Florida’s weekly reported deaths have been under 300 for seven weeks in a row. From the week ending April 19 to the week ending May 10, reported deaths were 300 or over.
Moreover, even though over 80% of general and ICU beds are in use at hospitals in Orange and Seminole counties, local health officials say that they are not concerned, as elective surgeries and unrelated emergency procedures have increased in recent weeks. They further state that Central Florida hospitals continue to have enough capacity to handle any potential surges.
There remain a lot of unknowns about what activities are less and more likely to be conducive to spread. As we covered in our recent Best Outdoor Dining at Walt Disney World post, it’s safer to dine al fresco as being outdoors dramatically lowers the risk of transmission. That’s corroborated by this study where only two cases out of 7,000-plus could be traced to outdoor activity.
Public health authorities have identified bars as the locus of outbreaks in a number of states, including in Florida. These have been shown to be super-spreader scenarios for a variety of reasons, and we’re hopeful that Florida’s decision to close all bars after an explosion of cases and widespread non-compliance will further reduce new numbers. As that move was made only a week ago, we really won’t know its effectiveness for another week due to the incubation period.
Research also shows that contaminated surfaces and fleeting encounters are low-risk, whereas sustained person-to-person interactions, crowded events, and poorly ventilated areas are higher risk. This bodes well for constantly-moving and properly-spaced queues (even indoor ones), but not so much for indoor stage shows.
There’s also the reality that Universal Orlando and other Central Florida theme and amusement parks have been open for roughly one month, and we’ve yet to see any outbreaks traced to these parks. In fact, aside from a few isolated cases with connections to (but not causal ones) theme parks, nothing has been traced to them, period. This is despite Florida health officials documenting community spread in the state beginning last December.
This should not be construed as conclusive proof that theme parks are “safe” places to visit right now. To the contrary, the expert consensus is that there are aspects of the theme park experience that are inherently higher-risk for visitors. More importantly, the parks being operational puts thousands of Cast Members who are in regular and direct contact with guests at risk.
The hope is that the enhanced safety standards, health protocol, and operational changes are sufficient to mitigate those risks. However, there are still simply too many unknowns about the efficacy of such measures. Studies and research continue, and our collective knowledge is evolving.
We won’t rehash all of the health and safety measures here as this is already going to be a long post, aside from one: face masks. The science is clear on masks, and they have proven effective in combating spread elsewhere around the globe. (From a purely economic perspective, even Goldman Sachs supports a nationwide mask mandate, asserting that it could substitute for another lockdown and save the economy from a 5% GDP hit.)
Both Japan and Hong Kong have been incredible success stories of the pandemic, despite neither having a coherent government response (both were arguably failures on a governmental level). Even with their denser populations, ubiquitous mass transit, and relatively lax restrictions, both have seen far fewer cases and hospitalizations than other nations. The crucial difference is that both Hong Kong and Japan adopted near-universal masking without any government mandate.
This is relevant because, unlike elsewhere in Florida, Walt Disney World and Universal have face mask policies that are being actively enforced. To be sure, compliance is not 100%, but it’s much better than anywhere else in the Orlando area. We’ve been to both Disney Springs and CityWalk a few times, plus our recent resort stay, and have felt safest at those locations.
Our local Publix has been so bad that we won’t even go back there, as it’s the wild west as compared to compliance at Disney and Universal. With that said, there’s an obvious distinction: grocery stores are an essential necessity, whereas theme parks and other entertainment complexes are not.
However, one of the most compelling reasons for reopening Walt Disney World is its instrumental role in Central Florida’s tourism-dependent economy. We hesitate to even broach this, as there has been a lot of cringe-worthy sentiment about ‘sacrificing grandma for the economy.’ This has caused unnecessary polarization and partisanship, which has done a disservice to the larger conversation.
The reality is that what America faces is a multifaceted problem that is now as much about housing and food insecurity as it is about the pandemic itself. Too much of the surrounding conversation has been myopic and reductionist, completely devoid of nuance, and attempting to offer a simple solution to a complex problem. This can be acutely illustrated by what’s already happening in Central Florida.
Florida’s broken unemployment system has made national headlines, with countless stories of system crashes, denial errors, and non-payments. Officially, more than 771,000 claims have been rejected and over 175,000 claims have yet to be verified, with unemployment in the Orlando area jumping to 22.6%, which is the worst in the state and far above the national average.
Every Floridian undoubtedly knows someone impacted (if they haven’t been affected themselves), and there have been harrowing reports on the local and national news. Before continuing any further, we’d strongly recommend reading ‘We Live From the Tourists’ in the New York Times and Orlando Sentinel’s latest on Florida unemployment. These tell vivid stories of the heart-wrenching human toll. In short, for many Cast Members, Walt Disney World reopening is “essential.”
To be abundantly clear: people should not be forced to choose between their financial and bodily health. There are numerous systemic problems on local, state, and federal levels that need to be fixed. However, as a practical reality, there is no waving a magic wand at this point and solving all of those. We have to play the cards we’re dealt, not the ones we wish we had.
There is little denying that America has failed this moment on multiple levels, including individual ones. While we desperately wish many aspects of this had and would still play out differently, we are realists. Our wishes are not viable realities that can instantaneously be ‘snapped’ into existence. Given that Florida’s unemployment system has not been fixed after four months, there is no reason to believe it’s going to be fixed at this point.
The longer the closure stretches on, the worse the economic fallout. Permanent layoffs have already begun throughout the Central Florida tourism sector. Last week, Universal Orlando laid off a number of employees across various departments. One Disney Springs restaurant operator announced it’s permanently laying off 143 workers. Cirque du Soleil has filed for bankruptcy protection and laid off 95% of its workforce.
While there have been no reports that Walt Disney World has begun its own layoffs, it’s naive to think the same won’t occur there. During the Great Recession, Disney laid off around 1,900 Parks & Resorts employees in a single round. During the previous dot-com bubble burst, Walt Disney World laid off 1,200 to 1,400 employees.
Moreover, Walt Disney World’s actions or inactions reverberate through Central Florida. A wide swath of area businesses are critically dependent upon the tourism Disney drives. Restaurants, hotels, smaller attractions, and more all directly rely on spillover business from Walt Disney World. Myriad others in Mousetown are indirectly tied to Disney.
Walt Disney World is a behemoth in Florida, and many industries rise and fall with Disney. There’s a simple reason all other area business leaders on the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force were so emphatic about Walt Disney World reopening–their futures depend upon it.
Experts widely believe that Central Florida’s tourism industry will take years to fully recover, meaning that these are the opening salvos of widespread layoffs that are inevitable throughout the region. The extent of the industry-wide layoffs depends upon how quickly theme park operators can bounce back and convince the general public it’s safe to plan trips.
Walt Disney World reopening in July isn’t an effort to salvage the summer–it’s about the fall and holiday season. Save for DVC members, Annual Passholders, and diehard fans with existing trips, what’s left of the summer is already a lost cause. No matter when the parks reopen, it’s going to take several months to ramp up operations and even start to return to a semblance of normal and attract tourists back. The greater the delay, the deeper and longer-lasting the wounds.
Ultimately, even this just paints a partial picture. There are no doubt countless other factors and variables, both for and against reopening. And to be abundantly clear, we truly don’t know where we come down on this question. It’s tempting to offer simple solutions to complicated problems, but we’d again caution against that. Frankly, I’m quite thankful to not be one of the Disney or local leaders tasked with the unenviable decisions in front of them. It’s a veritable buffet of least-bad choices. Even equipped with better knowledge, there’s no way of knowing today what unintended consequences will result from any decision.
Finally, we’ll reiterate what we said at the end of “Our Surreal Stay at Walt Disney World” post. While a lot of this likely reads as being pro-reopening, we still would err on the side of not traveling to Florida for vacation right now. (To that point, we are not traveling anywhere.) Even with risk mitigation efforts in the parks & resorts, the fact remains that cases are spiking. Flying to Florida and taking a weeklong Walt Disney World vacation right now is not no-risk or even low-risk. We’d also be incredibly apprehensive about planning a trip for the fall. If you’re an out of state tourist, you can play it safe and take a wait and see view to see how things play out. Such a tentative approach is arguably not as practical for Walt Disney World’s decision-makers when considering the long-term and holistic health of Central Florida.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think–is it too early to reopen, the appropriate time, or do you likewise not feel comfortable offering a definitive answer? Are there additional major factors we’ve failed to consider? Agree or disagree with our assessment? We anticipate this being a controversial topic, but please keep the comments civil. A variety of viewpoints are welcomed here, and comments will not be deleted for their perspective alone. However, we will not tolerate insults, arguing, conspiracy theories, or politically-charged comments. Don’t ruin a 95% fine comment with an unnecessary cheap shot—that 5% will get it deleted. Additionally, please do not incessantly harp on the same point across multiple comments. Respectfully share your opinion and move along.
I get that they want money from tourists, but if the tourist get sick from covid 19 because things open to fast and and there loved ones die from visiting florida or any state with a high number of case do you really think their going to come back? It will more like kill tourism.
We’re planning on going during the passholder preview on July 9th. We’re going to be cautious and rely on our own resources as well as those offered by the park. We’ve heard that bringing multiple masks is a must (in case one falls off during a ride, etc.). Our main concern is that we hope people will remain respectful and not get crazy, trying to make a point instead of understanding others’ concerns.
Tom, maybe it’s time for a new subject. Just sayin’
Yes I think Disney should remain closed. There are too many people that are not taking coronavirus seriously. They would go to the park if they thought they may have the virus.
Not caring who they would infect.
Keeping the park and facilities clean and sanitized would be almost impossible…I know people need to work. But it’s really a “no win” situation. But again they should stay closed.
American , and there . #sorrynotsorry
It’s baffling as to how people can be so unintelligent that they can’t figure out what percentage of tests are resulting in positive and what percentage of those positives are resulting in hospitalization. Stop being afraid of everything. Individual cases mean nothing in the grand scheme of things.
What is the percentage Chris? What is the rate of infection and trend?
You mean individuals mean nothing? Because that’s what you’re saying.
Well, Chris, rate of infection is increasing as are hospital admissions. Doctors are begging people to wear masks. Keep up, now!
From FOX 35, Orlando
“Florida’s Governor and Surgeon General want to keep the vulnerable safe as cases continue to surge. They are reminding Floridians to wear a mask and avoid closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings — what they are calling the ‘Three Cs.’ ”
Prior to this, Disney, and other businesses, opened according to each state’s orders or guidelines. For the past 4 months, many, many states were lax or negligent in getting in front of this pandemic. Now these states are hit with spiking cases, deaths, and near-full hospital capacities. Unfortunately politics is winning over science.
from the beginning Florida’s governor has not been responsible at all. I don’t even believe the case and death numbers in the state. that being said, Thus far, Disney has been responsible to wait longer than other Fla. attractions. I love Disney and my heart breaks to think I cannot return until normalcy and vaccinations are in place. I cringe to think, those planning trips may be planning their “last trip” because their is no guarantee that anyone that contracts covid 19 will survive. And, how many will be able to live with the fact that they might be the reason a co-worker, loved one, family or friends dies because of the trip, because they carried more than magic back home.
I appreciate the desire to fulfill your scheduled trip. I understand that Disney needs to open for monetary reason, and I know many cast members need to return to work.
I truly believe they need to wait until Florida gets under control.
I would hate to see Disney’s loss of Magic due to it’s visitors deaths.
I agree. It’s better to wait a bit longer and make sure it’s safe for everyone. Peoples’ lives are more important than money. We have wait this long for them to open a little longer won’t be the end of the world.
Any report of “the number of new cases” is a useless and dangerous number used by media outlets to scare people and increase readership (money). Testing has been ramped up significantly in all state so of course the number of cases have increased. So, why do the false news outlet ignore the infection to test rate? Simple because it is boring and non-sensational.
They reply every day on rate of infection. The rate of infection is rising.
I absolutely agree w you. I know my State’s numbers are going up because, as of June 13, they are also including “probable cases” in the number of cases! So there ya go!…. It’s absolutely ridiculous how much damage the government has caused by over reacting about COVID such as ruining some of the economy, putting some out if business, not to mention the mental health of our children. But of course it is election year, so hopefully all this will suddenly become very quiet after elections. …Sure, Covid can be very serious for some ppl, but those ppl would also have the same outcomes from the regular flu, infections, any kind of illnesses….
it amazes me that in this life or death situation that better safe than sorry is not the automatic go to in terms of thinking, behaving, and acting. just how stupid and selfish have people become in our country? it boggles my mind. and really batters my heart and soul. to think that someone’s vacation plans or need to go out to a restaurant or meet in a crowded bar means more to some people than someone else’s health and potentially their life. and one can try and argue that the death rate is lower on this for certain groups of people, but anyone’s death is important if it is happening to them or to their family. what makes people come to a place where someone else’s life and/or health is so expendable? how dare anyone try and play god like that? it is ironic to me that person who would buy into the magic of and joy disney would also be the same person who would find someone else’s life and health not of their concern or value. something is terribly wrong there. if it can lead to anybody’s death or health complications there should not even be a question about what to do. we have become the un-united non-believing not truth telling messed up states of america and it is sad. nothing proves this more than our fractured response to this health crisis. and the numbers we are experiencing, especially compared to other nations prove this in a way that cannot be argued with. period.
Respectfully jl, aren’t you as well playing god here? Who or what gives you the right to decide what affects the life and health of others? There are many factors here beyond simply trying to avoid catching covid. Economics as well as mental well being are two that come to mind. What about those in serious financial straights due to lockdown?Or those experiencing severe mental health issues due to the isolation of lockdown and financial problems? What about all the kids who are now stuck at home in isolation due to lockdown? Is it not also selfish of you to assume you know what is best for every other person out there? There is no perfect answer that helps both avoiding covid completely, being able to make money so you can feed your kids, and not being so isolated you go into a depression. It’s all about finding the best balance we can for ourselves. I have no idea what is best for you or anyone else on this blog. If going to dinner or a bar or to Disney are not something you feel safe doing I completely respect that. And I respect those that want to do those things. I also respect my 92 year old Aunt and Uncle’s decision to NOT quarantine because “we don’t want to have what could be our last year, months, days, whatever be spent locked inside fearing what could happen when we can be with those we love”. Everyone’s decisions will be different but to call those who don’t agree with you selfish and stupid is very sad. You may not agree with what I’ve said, and I respect that. You should also respect other people’s opinions instead of deeming them stupid and selfish. We are all doing our best and I think respecting each others individuality would be a great step forward.
It amazes me how you ever get into your car, knowing it could be a life or death situation. It amazes me how you ever walk outsides, knowing the sun could give you cancer. It amazes me how you ever eat a sweet, knowing you could develop diabetes.
Most of all, it amazes me that you are enjoying fear so much that you are completely clueless as to what percentages of tests are positives, and of those positives, what percentages are hospitalized.
nikki–by deciding to not put others at potential risk i guess you could say i am playing god. but somehow this seems extremely different than knowingly ignoring pre-cautions that could put others at risk and going out into the world, and potentially causing others risk, harm, and perhaps even death.
i guess you could accuse me of playing god by saying that because i chose not to kill myself today, i am playing god over my own life. that’s not exactly how i look at it.
whenever there is the choice between causing someone or myself harm vs. not causing them harm, whether it is intentional or not–i feel the “not potentially cause harm to others” choice is the better one. as well, i feel that god will ultimately decide one’s fate. and i want to stay out of the way the best i can where others are concerned.
i knew i should never have even invoked the word god in that post. damn. serves me right here.
you can argue that all you want, but really if playing god to is doing one’s best to keep people out of harm’s way–then i guess i am playing god when i go the correct speed limit. or when i don’t drive drunk. etc.
the death of common sense and the ability to make everything an issue like this simply speaks to everything i am saying above. i can choose to listen to the experts, and take precautions around this disease and take care of myself and try to stay healthy. but i resent that all of that can be undermined by someone else’s “rights” to do anything they want. we understand the harm in drunk driving. why is this not the same??
and if you think it is the same thing, i can’t really help you or speak to what you mean.
and though i may have to put up with them, no, i don’t respect someones else’s decisions on health issues like this if potentially if they can harm my health. it’s actually really simple and we already do it. we don’t allow smoking in public for these reasons. why don’t people get this?? i respect anyone’s decisions. i don’t respect them if they adversely can affect my health. i shouldn’t have to. if we all lived as self-contained people in pods where you didn’t come into contact with anyone else, fine. but that is not how it works. again-drunk driving. i respect your decision to drink. i respect your decision to drive. but if you do them together and you run down me and my family, killing some of us. yes, i think you are stupid to have done that and i don’t respect it. this is the same thing. as much as people don’t want to believe it. sorry, but it is. and if that is playing god. well. i do play god i guess then where my own life is concerned. and i respect and try to honor the idea that “my own” life affects other lives. and i don’t feel i have the “right” to cause harm to other lives with my own life. sorry.
Well said. I agree 150%.
jl, I didn’t mean to make that a god comment, I was simply directing your comment back to you. But god aside, as Tom has said, you will never change someone’s mind on a big issue in the comment section of a Disney blog and that is most definitely true. I do feel you missed my point, so I’ll say this, with all due respect, and leave it. In our community we support local businesses by ordering take out from the local taco place, or picking up pizzas from the mom & pop pizza joint. And while not “vital services”, it is just our way of supporting people who would otherwise have significant financial loss. Perhaps you don’t approve of getting take out and that’s ok. Going to Disney is actually quite similar. It’s not a vital service, and yes, Disney itself is a big company, but the little people who work for them are just regular people trying to make enough money to survive. So I respect your choice to not get take out, or go to public places, and if you are isolating at home you should have very little contact with anyone coming home from a Disney trip. But more factors into this than just staying at home until/if a vaccine is introduced. People have to live life the best way they can, and supporting a restaurant or Disney Employees does not make them a drunk driver…
Keep it closed. Follow California’s lead.
Disney should stay closed given current conditions in Florida. They won’t though I don’t think.
We would not go this summer and will have to wait and see about our November trip. If it seems at all dangerous and reckless we will not go then either.
Looking forward to all the on-the-ground reports!
You guys don’t really do your hmwrk but there’s been out breaks with employees now of course they won’t publish this but its happened, so if employees are coming down with c-19 someone is definately not doing there numbers all hidden just like disney the same there are some employees there going to wrk with c-19 but again there’s no kind of rule or law to stop them from wrking.there but DS,has had people come down with c-19.it just hasn’t been put out in the open.half of the folks coming down with c-19are employees who wrk for these parks,and they didn’t know that they were carriers.these parks need these employees to survive.so whats a little fib..C-19 unless a vaccine is made or something to help with slowing it or desolving it ,it’ll be here till then..
Then wear a mask and you’re safe!!!!! How hard is this??????!!!!!! Stop worrying about everyone else and let them live their lives and let these freakin businesses FULLY open for the people who are not afraid. If those of us that refuse to wear a mask die, that’s less people you have to worry about. It’s really not that hard. Deaths from people with masks = ZERO. Deaths from people without masks = SOME. Just let US choose whether to take that risk and YOU keep wearing your mask. Then everybody is good to go!
To all you under 30, nothing is in stone and everything changes. The virus has mutated again and again , what if the next mutation it only attacks 30 and under. And it would be up to the over 30 and beyond to protect you. How willing have you taught us to be. Never think that karma is that far away.
That’s incrediby unlikely, both because viruses tend to mutate far more slowly and less drastically than that, and also because most viruses tend to impact the very young or very old most seriously regardless. My MIL has told us she doesn’t want to see her kid’s and grandkids futures trashed in an attempt to save her. And I feel the same…if it did start suddenly targeting my age group, I’d be as careful as I felt I needed to, but I would NOT want the rest of the world to stop and undergo economic devastation for my sake. But that’s just my thoughts.
Yes
Right now it is often younger people accounting for new cases though–due to reckless behavior. Also wow with the easy MIL
sacrifice. Don’t think a few mouths of quarantine trashes anyone’s future. Of course if you are in financial hardship that is a different story. But If you’re hoping for disney to open up I’m guessing not.
Oops “months” not “mouths.”
Hey Tom, where is my post??! Yeah, I figured you wouldn’t post it …
Yes they should stay closed! Only because of the stupid rule with the annual pass !!! Non US passholders need more than 3days yet they refuse to see that!
The Washington Examiner is a political tabloid owned by a billionaire, for the singular purpose of applying a megaphone to conservative causes. It’s not anything like journalism, and is taken seriously by no one inside the beltway. Currently its primary purpose is to pen “articles” for the White House’s daily political emails.
Do with that what you will.
I don’t understand why we should be rehashing Disney’s decision to reopen. There are many different factors that went into the decision. If people feel the risk is too great for them, then they postpone going to the parks for a while longer. For those that want to go right now, then they will not wait. It’s a personal decision for everyone, but we should all have the option to go or not to go. If Disney finds that it’s too difficult to manage, they can scale things back. We need to let Disney move forward with its plan.
Yes they should stay closed
Here is a thought… Disney is NOT FORCING anyone to GO or NOT GO, it is your choice. Disney has been very accommodating to all Disney Fan’s. We are all adults and responsible for our actions.
I am ready to go and ready to enjoy days of MAGIC, perhaps putting some MAGIC into what’s going on in today’s world would do ALL of us good!
Its our choice to go or not– I say stay open
Agreed ! No one gave universal shit for reopening ! We are coming from out of state , a state that has overcame COVID-19 with social distancing and wearing masks . Wash your hands , use hand sanitizer , keep a mask on and all is well! These cases are being traced to bars , and all the protestors who didn’t wear masks and were on top of one another . Disney has hand washing stations , implementations of masks , social distancing , temp checks , etc .
They need to reopen if people are afraid then let them Stay home. People need to work again. And we All need to taKe care of our own health , Wash your hands cover your cough and sneezes .
PREACH!!
You know what? I have rights too. I deserve to not die a frightening, painful, lonely death. I deserve to not be crushed by a devastating permanent disability.
I’m Coast Guard and I’m seriously starting to question my feelings about this country.
FUN FACTS::
India population: 1.38 BILLION people
Yesterday’s new covid-19 cases: 20,903
Florida population: 21.48 million people
Yesterday’s new covid-19 cases: 10,109
This isn’t about fear. This is about street smarts and community. This is about loving your family. This is about bringing back out economy. Where will central Florida and the rest of the US tourism industry be if people from overseas don’t trust us?
The world is watching. What we do matters.
Case counts don’t matter. How many tests did India do? It’s amazing, we didn’t have any cases n this country until we started testing. Now we test everyone multiple time and count each positive as a separate case. The way they are counting hospitalizations skews those numbers. Even with the worst numbers the media is putting out there it still doesn’t seem that bad to me.
It is fun because its probably untrue. You actually believe those figures?? I recall Mother Theresa walking through filthy streets to save discarded human beings. Think many of their millions of barely surviving poor have been tested?? Really.?? People who need to stay indoors should do so. Those who need to work, which is most of us, should be able to do so without judgement and hysteria. Spoke to someone today who would not use the AC in their car for fear of blowing covid in their face!!! Less media hysteria would help.
@Lj, your comment about the A/C made me laugh out loud! Thank you!
The Washington Examiner is not exactly a credible source. And the guy in the article (Ionnadis) is a definite outlier in the views he holds.
You seem to be cherry-picking to support your own worldview.
The problem with this virus is that you DO NOT KNOW how it is going to affect you. Age is irrelevant.