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A comment on Researchers propose that humidity from masks may lessen severity of Covid-19. Parent comment

Re:Researchers propose that humidity from masks may lessen s... by scythe on Sunday February 14, 2021 @12:40PM (#26134303)
Considering that Brazilian scientists described the government's strategy as an "institutional strategy to spread the coronavirus"[1] and they're reporting a lower death rate than France[2], you have to figure something in Brazil is working in humanity's favor. It can't make up for (probably) the worst policies in the world, of course.

[1]: https://english.elpais.com/americas/2021-01-29/study-finds-t...

[2]: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

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Re:Researchers propose that humidity from masks may lessen s... by maxerickson on Sunday February 14, 2021 @12:51PM (#26134407)
A bit more than 20% of the people in France are over 65.

For Brazil, it's a bit more than 9%.

We know very well that age is a significant factor.

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Re:Researchers propose that humidity from masks may lessen s... by doliveira on Sunday February 14, 2021 @01:08PM (#26134557)
I've seen some estimates that with the same age distribution as Brazil France would have had half the number of deaths: https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/brasil-55847831 (Portuguese link)
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Re:Researchers propose that humidity from masks may lessen s... by doliveira on Sunday February 14, 2021 @12:51PM (#26134409)
It may be a factor, but it's a pretty big leap to say that's what is behind countries' successes and failures. I mean, I've even seen people claiming it's due to "Asians eating a lot of fish".

The most obvious explanation is (even literally) right in front of our noses: politics, culture and age distribution.

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Re:Researchers propose that humidity from masks may lessen s... by sjg007 on Sunday February 14, 2021 @01:08PM (#26134559)
Your hypothesis does not square with the unfolding tragedy.

https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/news-storie...

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Re:Researchers propose that humidity from masks may lessen s... by CorrectHorseBat on Sunday February 14, 2021 @12:49PM (#26134393)
I don't think you can conclude anything from those numbers. On the one hand Brazil is very likely underreporting and has a much younger population, but on the other hand their medical care is not as good.
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