In this followup episode with Knut Wittkowsky, we hear his thoughts on the nature of Sars-Cov-2 and the complete and utter failure of the mitigation measures taken by countries all over the world. In addition to being only a serious disease for those already ill, children and young adults very rarely die from COVID-19.
A striking statement was made at 18:30 in the interview. “50 percent of the deaths in the United States were among people who were 80 years old and older.”
A good resource is provided by Swiss Policy Research regarding the lethality of COVID-19.
Covid-19 IFRs are strongly age-dependent, with a steep increase above the age of 70. The median age of covid-related deaths in most Western countries is 78 to 86 years (see section 3 below). In most Western countries, about half of all deaths occurred in nursing homes (see section 5).
In particular, it is useful to note the median age of death by country:
Country | Median age | Source
Australia | 82 years | DOH
Austria | 82 years | EMS
Belgium | 86 years | IBS
Brazil | 70 years| MDX
Canada | 86 years | HCSC
England | 82 years | NHS
France | 84 years | SPF
Germany | 83 years | RKI
Italy | 82 years | ISS
South Africa | 62 years | SAC
Spain | 82 years | MDS
Sweden | 84 years | FOHM
Switzerland | 86 years | BAG
USA | 78 years | CDC
The following chart shows covid deaths in care homes in proportion to all covid deaths, per country. In most Western countries, 30% to 60% of all covid deaths occurred in care homes.
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The following chart, developed by a German analyst based on official data, shows Swedish mortality from 1835 to 2020. Swedish mortality in 2020 was comparable to mortality in 2012 and 2013.
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To calculate Swedish excess mortality in 2020 (compared to statistical expectation), one has to take into account the fact that Swedish mortality has been decreasing since the 1990s, due to strongly falling birth rates between 1920 and 1935, recent immigration, and higher life expectancy. If one extrapolates this decreasing mortality trend, Swedish excess mortality in 2020 was the highest since 1919, although still about seven times lower than in 1918, even without age-adjustment.
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Finally, the following chart shows Swedish mortality from 2000 to 2020 by age group. As can be seen, there is significant excess mortality in people over 65, and possibly in people between 50 and 59.
And finally, I highly recommend people check out the rest of Journeyman Pictures’ Perspectives on the Pandemic series.
h/t ShinigamiSirius