undefined | Better HN

0 pointsufo4y ago0 comments

The lack of limitations is part of the problem. We're currently at the highest number of COVID cases and deaths but despite that there is a lot of resistance against the government implementing a lockdown, in large part because the federal government is run by science-hating lunatics.

The most horrifying recent news is that hospitals around the country are running out of sedatives used for COVID intensive care. There have been reports of intubated patients waking up from sedation and having to be tied down to their beds to keep them from ripping out the air tube. It's inhumane.

(Link warning: shocking images) https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/equilibrioesaude/2021/04/nas-u...

0 comments

ArkanExplorer4y ago

But what guarantee is there that lockdown would prevent this?

Peru has had strict lockdowns, but their COVID deaths are about the same as Brazil, when adjusted by population size.

The same in Europe - Sweden actually has fewer deaths than strict lockdown countries.

Wouldn't it be simpler for Brazilian society to just properly fund and manage healthcare (which it sounds like is the primary problem) rather than ceasing most economic, public, and social activity as part of lockdown?

ufoOP4y ago

Intensive care units are at over 90% capacity in most of the country, even after taking into account the recent expansions in the number of beds available. Even if we had all the money in the world, there are not enough doctors to take care of the current volume of COVID patients. At this point, secondary measures to reduce the rate of new infections are the only way to try to avoid a total collapse of the healthcare system.

Sweden is also not a good example of against lockdowns. https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-factcheck-prageru-sweden-...

ArkanExplorer4y ago

COVID deaths per capita:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104709/coronavirus-deat...

Brazil has fewer COVID deaths per capita than Czechia, Hungary, Belgium, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, UK.

These are all countries that have had strict lockdowns and have modern healthcare systems.

This would suggest that Brazil is doing well and that their current approach is justified.

Brazil is now entering the Winter of the Southern Hemisphere, whilst Europe and North America are entering Summer - which also adds a seasonal element to comparisons.

Aren't ICUs meant to be used to capacity? Why would hospital planners build ICUs that aren't going to be used?

What about looking at general public health improvements, such as improving air quality (by increasing the price of coal and oil products, and encouraging EVs) and reducing obesity (by taxing sugar) - which will have benefits beyond this current epidemic - given that obesity and cardiovascular health are major comorbidity factors for COVID severity.

1 more reply

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

0 pointsufo4y ago0 comments

(Link warning: shocking images) https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/equilibrioesaude/2021/04/nas-u...

0 comments

ArkanExplorer4y ago

But what guarantee is there that lockdown would prevent this?

Peru has had strict lockdowns, but their COVID deaths are about the same as Brazil, when adjusted by population size.

The same in Europe - Sweden actually has fewer deaths than strict lockdown countries.

ufoOP4y ago

Sweden is also not a good example of against lockdowns. https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-factcheck-prageru-sweden-...

ArkanExplorer4y ago

COVID deaths per capita:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104709/coronavirus-deat...

Brazil has fewer COVID deaths per capita than Czechia, Hungary, Belgium, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, UK.

These are all countries that have had strict lockdowns and have modern healthcare systems.

This would suggest that Brazil is doing well and that their current approach is justified.

Brazil is now entering the Winter of the Southern Hemisphere, whilst Europe and North America are entering Summer - which also adds a seasonal element to comparisons.

Aren't ICUs meant to be used to capacity? Why would hospital planners build ICUs that aren't going to be used?

1 more reply

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse