The Science Of Not Worrying Enough

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Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan; ‘Worry Index’

This morning.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said new research shows that people are feeling less worried about Covid-19 and warned this may cause them to drop their guard.

Via RTÉ

It follows the reporting of an additional 252 cases of the disease but no further coronavirus-related deaths.

Dr Tony Holohan said the latest study by Amárach showed that the worry level has reduced and is now similar to levels last seen in July.

A third of those surveyed said they thought the worst is yet to come but 28% believed the worst was behind us – which the National Public Health Emergency Team considers “significant” he told a media briefing.

Dr Holohan said: “It’s not that we want people to be worried but we do think there is a correlation between people’s level of concern and ultimately the behaviours that people exhibit.

“It can lead us to drop our guard from time to time in ways that we may not intend to.”

Um.

Holohan asks people not to drop their guard as 252 new Covid cases confirmed (RTÉ)

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14 thoughts on “The Science Of Not Worrying Enough

  1. Redundant Proofreaders Society

    The ‘worry’ index. Ha!
    It’s so Father Ted.
    We’re scientists, and observe a lot of charts, but that one is hilarious. NPHET clearly basing their ‘profound’ advice to MeeHow on interesting data.

  2. Rob

    It’s not that we want people to worry, but it would be good if they did.

    Except for the increase in mental health problems
    And domestic violence
    And habitual drinking
    And bad diet
    And everyone just being less happy

    But other than that it would be great if you could worry yourself into a panic.

  3. Hank

    Does it count if I’m worried that I live in a country where, given his track record, Tony Holohan still gets to brief the nation everyday with opinions based on very flawed statistics?

    1. Redundant Proofreaders Society

      He reminds us of the ‘High Vis Brigade’, which are the senior folk in any walk of life that are handed a high-visibility vest to direct traffic in a field at the Ploughing Championship or what have you. The new authority makes them and shapes them.

  4. Mr .T

    No comment from Tony on the fact that 2/3rds of hospitalised cases actually got infected after being admitted to hospital for something else?

      1. Mr .T

        https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/covid-19-minister-says-christmas-free-for-all-not-on-the-cards-as-318-cases-reported-1.4416102

        “Meanwhile, new figures show an average of seven patients a day are contracting Covid-19 while in the State’s hospitals.

        A total of 205 patients were infected with the virus in hospital in the four weeks ending on November 8th, according to the figures compiled by the HSE.”

        Also of interest from that article:

        “Healthcare workers account for about 700 out of 5,400 coronavirus cases, or about 13 per cent of that total, occurring in the last fortnight.”

        Parallels to the first wave:

        “The Irish Times reported in July that 265 patients picked up Covid-19 while in hospital for other conditions, and at least 79 of these patients had died. This is separate from the more than 1,000 deaths of residents in nursing homes and other residential institutions that have happened here during the pandemic.”

  5. Friscondo

    Tony won’t be happy until we’re all frozen to the spot in terror. I bet he sees a vaccine as the soft option. The proper way to beat the COVID is through suffering. Lots of suffering.

  6. ratto

    Christ, this place has really turned into crackpot central … is it just an inevitable consequence of being right-leaning and online?

    1. Zaccone

      If you think broadsheet is right-leaning I really hope you don’t visit any other internet websites. This place is very much left-wing. I’d wager all of the admins vote either SocDem or PBP. Renua HQ this is not.

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