Quote Originally Posted by Pattylallacks2 View Post
Has anyone tried to explain why the death rate in Italy seems to be so much higher than elsewhere?
Yes. Ive looked into it quite closely as I spend a few months a year in China and Hong Kong. This is what I posted a few days ago on another thread.

...."We are in danger of being misled by the figures coming out of China. The infection rates and mortality rate will not pan out the exact same way in every country.

The spread and death rate relate directly to government / population response and quality of medical care. The World Health Organisation did an extensive report into the China response. They cinclude that lockdowns in hotspot areas was key to stop the spread - China were very quick to act. The excellent medical care they provided prevented a much higher death rate. The 2 together prevented a greater catastrophe.

China gave health care for Covid19 free to all (where they previously would pay) and built new specialist care centres. They extended prescriptions to 3 months so patients were covered without needing to return to medical centres and, so, maybe infect others.

If other countries do not match this response the outcome will be very different.

If countries are negligent, as, initially, in Italy or have a poor medical response, as in Iran, the problem can quickly run out of control."