Big Picture News, Informed Analysis
Canadian journalist Donna Laframboise. Former National Post & Toronto Star columnist, past vice president of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
From Valentine’s to Friday the 13th
Four weeks ago, we lived in a different world.
A lot of numbers are flying around right now about the coronavirus. Most are speculative.
It’s therefore helpful to know what has already happened, so that we can prepare ourselves emotionally should a similar pattern emerge in our own communities.
Even if your personal risk is low, the toll on doctors, nurses, paramedics, and health care infrastructure could be profound. Things are changing quickly.
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On Valentine’s Day, Italy had 3 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Four weeks later, 1,266 people had died and 1,328 were hospitalized in serious/critical condition.
| ITALY | confirmed cases | serious /critical cases |
deaths | recoveries |
| 14th Feb. | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 28th Feb. (+2 wks) |
889 | 64 | 21 | 46 |
| 13th March (+2 wks) |
17,660 | 1,328 | 1,266 | 1,439 |
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Spain had 2 cases on Valentine’s Day. Four weeks later, it had more than 5,000. So far, deaths are much lower there.
| SPAIN | confirmed cases | serious /critical cases |
deaths | recoveries |
| 14th Feb. | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 28th Feb. (+2 wks) |
33 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 13th March (+2 wks) |
5,232 | 190 | 133 | 193 |
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South Korea went from 28 cases to nearly 8,000.
| SOUTH KOREA |
confirmed cases | serious /critical cases |
deaths | recoveries |
| 14th Feb. | 28 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 28th Feb. (+2 wks) |
2,337 | 7 | 16 | 24 |
| 13th March (+2 wks) |
7,979 | 93 | 71 | 510 |
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Germany’s caseload grew from 16 to nearly 3,700.
| GERMANY | confirmed cases | serious /critical cases |
deaths | recoveries |
| 14th Feb. | 16 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 28th Feb. (+2 wks) |
60 | 2 | 0 | 16 |
| 13th March (+2 wks) |
3,675 | 9 | 8 | 46 |
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The Netherlands had yet to record a single case on Valentine’s Day. Four weeks later, it had more than 800.
| NETHERLANDS | confirmed cases | serious /critical cases |
deaths | recoveries |
| 14th Feb. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 28th Feb. (+2 wks) |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 13th March (+2 wks) |
804 | 1 | 10 | 2 |
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This is probably a good time to limit our consumption of Internet and TV news. Checking in a couple times a day is healthier than obsessing 24/7. In the strange weeks ahead, let us get plenty of rest, count our myriad blessings, and guard against despair. I recommend movie therapy :-)
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Michael: He’s an angel. Not a saint. I’m not a huge John Travolta fan, but this is a lovely movie, brimming with joie de vivre. It explores some serious topics – death, despair and redemption – with a light touch. . |
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LINKS:
- since Friday, Italy’s numbers have risen significantly once again. Total cases this morning, Monday, March 16th: 24,747 (vs 17,666 on Friday). Total deaths 1,809 (vs 1,266).
- you can find your own country’s stats quickly, by typing its name in the search box here
- 14 February 2020 data taken from here
- 28 February data taken from here
- 13 March data taken from here
- see my previous commentary, Italy’s Hospital Meltdown and Coronavirus Math: The Number I’m Watching
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