Alan B,

So you're saying that you believe that the Chinese Communist Party is reporting the figures correctly.

Doesn't it seem a bit strange that China has 24 times the population of Italy yet only has less than twice the number of total infections and about 75% of related deaths than Italy has currently?

And doesn't it seem at bit odd how China's rate of infection just stopped short of 81K and just flatlined?

Seems questionable to me especially given that China is the source of the coronavirus pandemic. But I guess if one is a Sinophobe anything coming out of China will look all right.

Dear Mr Opinion,

I think you meant sinophobe.

I am generally accepting the figures out of China as to the infection rate. They have instituted far more comprehensive measures than Italy and Australia. Schools were closed at the start of February in the total lockdown of Wuhan and neighbouring states. The figures started to stabilise a week later, which is consistent.

We are only just getting around to it here in Australia almost 7 weeks later. How many lives will have been lost as a result is yet to be determined.

SR,

I think the kid meant 'Sinophile'. You might be right that China controlled the spread of the virus earlier on, far more effectively than Italy is doing, by rigorously enforcing isolation, welding the doors shut on apartment buildings, etc.

It's regrettable that our use of language, especially other languages, is so lax: strictly speaking, 'Sinophobe' doesn't mean a hater of China (although Misopinionated may fit into that drop-box) but a fearer of China. 'Phobos' is the Greek word for 'fear', Misopinionated. 'Philos' is the Greek word for 'love'.

Just trying to help.

I suppose we are in for periodic self-isolation as long as it takes to develop and mass-produce a vaccine. In the US, thankfully, now that Trump has pointed out that the virus is not the US's fault, it will probably have limited effect there. Anyway it's China's fault, that's why it's called the China virus. That's how it goes for such eight-year-old mentalities.

On that criterion, we should call half-wittedness 'the American disease'.

Joe

As a good lefty I see Binoy is not about to waste a good emergency by not using it to try to push his socialist agenda. Not a good look today Binoy, too many recognise the ploy, & degrade the user instantly.

This is degrading your attempts to be a social commentator Binoy, appealing to only the left rusted on makes you just another hack.

You should try to do better.

Hi Joe. America is due for a great awakening/catastrophe. Given the profit first and foremost, millionaire health care model. That sees as many as 40% uninsured and just consigned to the not for profit charity sector.

And sure to be overwhelmed with a sinking Titanic-like jockeying for service/care! With huge overcrowding just making controlling any of the spread only effective if all state and national borders are closed and a dusk to dawn (shoot to kill) sate of annunciated, state of emergency, curfew imposed! Doors welded shut! Etc/etc!

And given the likely outcome, reinfection rates following reinfection rate and a wartime death toll. And all on President Trump's watch!

And not fixable by his usual labelling, it's all fake news!

Wouldn't want to be in his shoes come November. What does it matter where it started or who or what is responsible! What does that actually fix!

What matters is what actions so-called leaders take! And how many ideological imperatives they will jettison for best possible, best practice outcomes.

One of which would be maximised multiple teams working around the clock on multiple possible vaccinations and sharing data results! Then cooperating as never before to vaccinate the non affected/the surviving population, as a compulsory measure!

Until that happens will need to practise good neighbour, self-isolation/good sanitation!

Take care and stay safe!
Alan B.

America is due for a great awakening/catastrophe.
Alan B,
How long do you think before Australians wake up to it happening here ?