Hi Ignatz, no, I do not have explanation why those numbers are so different. That is I know probable reason but to be sure I have to look into a lot of material. I'm not willing because I see no reason for it. This change nothing beside generating more posts.
I know one for sure. What you are doing by comparing raw number is not science at all. Most probable reason for this big US number is that US test like crazy this days. Let's put aside reason why it that. I read that over 600K tests are done daily. How many tests are done in Germany? How tests are done? Are US tests have same accuracy as German's? Are tests done mainly on hospitalized patients? in cities? mega companies? When tests are not being applied? What is the reporting cycle... etc., etc..
Then number of positive cases itself does not mean that all cases are new. I can be that virus spread was very high in early stages and now is slowing, or can be opposite. Maybe Germans were exposed to other pathogen in the past that gave them great resistance to COVID-19.
What I want to show you is that we don't know, I don't know, the answers, but I know for sure that there are many possible ways to explain discrepancy you pointed, and that putting single interpretation on them that fits your narrative is not a science but propaganda. You may be right after all, but it is quite unlikely - that is that masks are reason for the difference.
And this is what I wanted to focus on - masks. My goal is not to review every argument about 'pandemic', but to make you realize that it is not necessary true what you are hearing from tv screen or officials about masks.
Pores in any face mask are much bigger than virus size, are much bigger than micro droplets. Viruses going through mask in and out without much restriction. Mask are bad for your health. Mask are unlikely reason to explain difference in case numbers before US and Germany but if you want to use case numbers to prove that masks do work, please, do so, but do it right way.
I fill I have to repeat that I do not advocate for recklessness especially for those over 70 with underlying conditions.
Also, don't trust experts blindly. You mentioned Lancet. Recently there was a bigger news about Lancet revealing how big pharma can produce any outcome they want, using 'rigorous scientific methodology'. This is of course no news to people in research circles but was never, discussed publicly on this level. That doesn't mean that every study is false, but shows that it is doable. Actually one of propaganda methods is to use 'right' kind of experts and block out others.
Numbers don't lie, true, but people give interpretation to numbers and people not always tell the truth, intentionally or not. If you are interested, find some simple Youtube videos or articles, whatever you prefer, about errors in statistics and how blind trust in them lead to tragedies. There are some really good info out there, that show you how easily you can be mislead by your (not you particular but you as a human) thinking if you don't pay attention. Good and very educational stuff.
I stopped to read an article that showed up on ZH ( www.zerohedge.com/political/whitney-looks-sweden-was-right-after-all ). I hesitated about p linking it because of language author use. He also makes few emotional statements that may not be understandable to 'average person' (but he is right anyway). Eventually I decided to throw it in, not much for discussion but to give you example that there are experts out there who have different opinion and their voices are not heard by public.
? (That´s a joke !)
