I think you're right overall, but that the data doesn't yet support the conclusion. Omicron got traction in the UK at least a week later than SA, probably 2 weeks, so the death rate will lag by the same margin. We need to compare the death rate in the UK now to the death rate in SA a few weeks ago.
All the early indications are that the complete data will support your conclusion when it comes in, but frustrating as it is we'll have to wait and see.
So in terms of a government response do we care about data now or are we at the point where we just restrict liberties and mandate vaccines assuming the worst possible scenario every time something changes? I guess if we're lucky when the data shows they over reacted they might give some liberties back and hopefully the vaccine rollout won't result in too many adverse side effects. Common.. This is insanity.
I honestly don't know what you're arguing for here. I don't care if people take the vaccine or what the outcome of omicron is, my issue is with the government response given the data we have. The data supporting the use of vaccines to tackle omicron is extremely questionable. And that's not even mentioning the fact that it's already questionable enough to mandate COVID vaccines on healthy individuals given recent data suggesting those vaccinated have less robust immune responses to COVID and all of its potential future variants.
>I honestly don't know what you're arguing for here.
I'm arguing for correct interpretation of the data. I didn't advocate for any particular action to be taken in my post, so somewhat surprised you inferred such.
>when the data shows they over reacted
When. You seem very sure. Almost as though you've already made up your mind about facts we don't have yet, exactly what I'm cautioning against.
OK, since you seem to want me to argue for something more I'll do so. I support the booster programme based on the same reasons it was already started long before Omicron was discovered. The risks seem extremely low, while the potential benefits seem extremely high. The vaccine rollout here in the UK has been a fantastic success that's transformed our ability to manage the effects of the virus, and I think we need to push forward with it.
All the early indications are that the complete data will support your conclusion when it comes in, but frustrating as it is we'll have to wait and see.