COVID-19 pronouncements should be taken with a grain of salt

Health officials and politicians have offered contradictory and often misleading information at a time when the public needs the plain facts.

Adam Schwab

Jul 22, 2020

13

coronavirus nick coatsworth — Deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth (Image: AAP/Lukas Coch)

It’s no surprise that faith in our politicians and institutions remains low given the contradictory and misleading comments so regularly espoused.

Two days ago it was widely reported that Dr Nick Coatsworth, Australia’s deputy chief medical officer, had said Victoria's intensive care capacity was at 82% and COVID-19 cases accounted for one in 10 intensive care patients.

This was despite 31 people currently being in intensive care in Victoria due to COVID-19. Based on this ominous warning, Victoria would have only 400 intensive care beds in total.

Go deeper on the issues that matter.

Register your email address to get FREE access on a 21-day trial.

Or

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

By submitting this form, you agree to accept Crikey’s terms and conditions

About the Author

Adam Schwab

Adam Schwab is a commentator, business director, and the co-founder of LuxuryEscapes.com. He is also the author of Pigs at the Trough: Lessons from Australia’s Decade of Corporate Greed.