> Covid does not seem to have the same seasonality that the flu has,
[citation needed]
Considering that covid-19 is a pandemic, and has not yet reached the point where its endemic, we can't actually know that.
> The number of deaths from flu, pneumonia, and Covid are about 50% higher than the year 2000 (Jan-Aug)
Correct, welcome to averages.
In april the total mortality was between 50 and 125% higher than normal (per week, looking at total deaths, not counting where covid was mentioned.) That peak was neatly 3-4 weeks after lockdown was imposed. So to answer your question "justify the draconian measures" do you want to re-run that experiment? because I don't like the look of those odds. Looking at the USA, where they've tried it, it doesn't look too hot either.
[citation needed]
Considering that covid-19 is a pandemic, and has not yet reached the point where its endemic, we can't actually know that.
> The number of deaths from flu, pneumonia, and Covid are about 50% higher than the year 2000 (Jan-Aug)
Correct, welcome to averages.
In april the total mortality was between 50 and 125% higher than normal (per week, looking at total deaths, not counting where covid was mentioned.) That peak was neatly 3-4 weeks after lockdown was imposed. So to answer your question "justify the draconian measures" do you want to re-run that experiment? because I don't like the look of those odds. Looking at the USA, where they've tried it, it doesn't look too hot either.
see raw data here https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsde...