I found the WSJ Opinion piece online so it was much easier to read. Actually read it twice. As far as opinion pieces go, this one was quite measured in its approach.
I agree that the virus was not the 'black swan.' Most scientist agree that a new pandemic was inevitable if not predictable. I also agree that the 'infection fatality rate' would be a great number to have. The problem is that we don't have adequate testing to get an accurate 'infection fatality rate.' Unless and until we put testing in place on a vastly larger scale, we may never know.
I do take issue with the section on empty hospital beds and unused ventilators. All projection models are based on certain assumptions. The initial models that called for exponentially increasing bed and ventilator capacity were based on zero mitigation. The 'social distancing' (which is anything but social) guidelines and 'stay at home' orders are precisely what has allowed the beds and ventilators to remain unused.
I also looked at the MO Cases doc and the STL Cases doc. The latter shows more new cases on Apr 24 than Apr 8. The former also shows more new cases on Apr 24 than on Apr 8. To my mind, a 'downward trajectory' is one where everyday brings fewer cases than the day before. A three-day moving average may also be useful.
As for me... yes it would be great to get on with life as we knew it. I wear a mask when I go out in public for necessities, not because of fear. I wear a mask as my duty to public health. I wrote on my mask with a sharpie, "Not Scared, Being Polite." I was in France and Spain in early March. I wear a mask because it is possible that I was an 'asymptomatic' carrier. I have not had an 'in person' visit with my parents or five of my siblings or their families since returning. It is also possible that I am currently 'asymptomatic' having contracted the virus here in town after my return. I wear a mask because I would prefer not to be the modern Typhoid Mary of StL county. Unless and until we put testing in place on a vastly larger scale, I may never know.
Yes, it is disappointing that this has become a political issue instead of a public health issue. Yes, the shutdown is crushing small businesses. I don't know where we find the correct balance and I'm glad I don't have to make those decisions. Sarcasm Alert: "So glad that Ruth's Chris, Shake Shack, and the Lakers got some tax dollar bailout money so they can keep the lights on." There should be just as much outrage about publicly traded companies getting tax money bailouts as there is about reopening.
In the meantime, been spending plenty of time in my garage. Got my donor Mustang engine pulled yesterday, probably start stripping it down today. Need to find in engine shop that qualifies as an 'Essential Business.'
Stay safe everyone.
Casey