Texas had 2,062 deaths attributed to COVID-19 as of 18 June. That is only 20% the number of deaths, 10,095, attributed to influenza the last full flu season. By July of last year 9,249 had been recorded as having died due to flu complications in Texas.
But some folks dismiss contextual analysis and say, “But what if we can reduce deaths with masks and tighter controls?” The question that begs is: Does such work?
Our neighbors in New Mexico have a population of almost 2.1 million. New Mexico instituted and heavily enforced much more stringent statewide restrictions, including mandatory mask wearing, much earlier than Texas and had most restrictions in-place much later, still requiring mask use in late June. If the restrictions and mask use significantly worked, New Mexico would have a much lower fatality rate than Texas.
However, by 17 June 2020, New Mexico had reported 452 COVID-19 deaths which is 21.5 deaths per 100,000 people. Texas, at 29 million people, has a massively lower fatality rate at only 7.11 per 100,000 people – a third that of mask wearing New Mexico!
So much for mandated mask wearing, severe social distancing, and business and activity closures being statistically significant when it comes to the serious side of Wuhan virus infection.
Robert I’m getting very frustrated with this whole COVID thing. Recently we have been disinfecting food establishments. We have thrown away literally thousands of dollars in product because someone who tested positive was in the room. Somebody has to pay for this product, the business owner can’t do it so ultimately the prices have tho go up and we pay for it. When will folks understand that it doesn’t matter if your talking free money or tossed food we are the ones that pay.
I definitely think that it’s TOO political. We need to get rid of a lot of our politicians. Also need to put most of our so-called news media out of business. They think it’s okay to so-called protests by the thousands and burn down business and loot but its not okay to have a church service or see your loved ones that are in a nursing home
As I was entering Walmart (Lubbock),today. I was stopped by a young lady outside the store, mask on and following state mandated instructions. She informed me of the governors mandate. I did not have a mask on, so I asked if I could still enter the store, of course she said yes, she was just letting me know. I continued on, not annoyed at all, the young lady was just doing her job. As I gathered my items, I stopped to check other items, just curious. Everyone that I checked, was made in China. I smirked, became angry and thought. Over 50% of the items in Walmart are from China, even the 4th of July apparel and other items are from the country that let the flu escape. They continue letting in items from China, but we have to wear a mask. Insanity thy name is America. I’m done with Walmart and I’m ashamed of Abbott.
Do you think reports of flu deaths in years past were inflated to scare people into vaccination? I hadn’t thought of that until reading this article. Thank you for your insights and willingness to speak up.
No. They are estimated at the CDC/federal level with a massive (30%+) margin of error. Texas stats are reported to the state by health district region.