Interesting reports re the wildly differing methodologies for estimating percentage of deaths from Corona virus plus theories why Italy has highest in the World... 1 is the methodology Figures bandied about of 9% are because (according to Italian Health expert) the base figures on deaths over serious case admitted. I have come round to understanding more your PoV in to our original debate over testing (still think distancing is more important in some respects than testing as a way of reducing the spread) agree more testing is vital to identify more carriers who go unreported. That is the only way we can get near to an accurate figure for the real Death rate as a percentage of the population infected or recovered. Now as to the real reasons for the high percentages (albeit not 9%.) One argument that makes sense is the fact that bizarrely, the High standard and universal coverage of the Italian Health system is one of the causes. Combined with an ageing population the preventative medicine, mass screening programmes, advanced therapies and treatments for over 60s (of which we have had experience) means many elderly people with quite serious health issues that would have died a couple of decades ago or in a country with inferior medical services are still 'creaking along' When Cornavirus struck it hit them the hardest. 89%+ of all fatalities are over 70s the vast majority of which had underlying health issues. I still think the worst media outlets irresponsibly seize on the worst case figures for Headlines which causes panic and fear . As you say, statistics, damn lies and statistics.
Statistics are only as good as the data they are based on - we can only get a true view of the real effects of Corvid-19 if we have mass testing. The theory on the Italian death rate is plausible -I heard an interesting theory on why Germanys death rate is so much lower. - Not only are they testing more so those with mild symptoms are all included but also most of the Germans who caught it initially were skiiers coming back from Italy who by definition are younger and fitter and much less likely to have a serious health issues. - But that doesn't explain why the German rate then didn't start to increase.
