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Lulu KC

(2,567 posts) Tue Mar 17, 2020, 10:50 AM Mar 2020

Math people, need some help here [View all]

Without testing, the data on our rates of infection are unknown. But we do know the # of deaths.
Once we get testing going on a large scale (assuming we do), will we probably show a smaller percentage of deaths--due to proportion?
Please be kind, and answer as if I'm in fifth grade--I'm in recovery from a mathphobic childhood. Thanks!

10 replies

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Math people, need some help here [View all] Lulu KC Mar 2020 OP

Not a math whiz, but I think you are right treestar Mar 2020 #1

Yeah but what about all the people who have already died without a test? Sedona Mar 2020 #2

Were those dead people confirmed positive before death ie OnDoutside Mar 2020 #3

Or to flu dawg day Mar 2020 #4

Absolutely, yes. OnDoutside Mar 2020 #6

All numbers are speculative while the disease is still active. defacto7 Mar 2020 #5

I'm math challenged but yes, absolutely, this will bring down the percentage lettucebe Mar 2020 #7

Look at data from a country that tests A LOT - like South Korea. zonemaster Mar 2020 #8

Yes, I do expect the death rate to ultimately go down, long-term. coti Mar 2020 #9

All numbers are fluid right now, so best not to focus too much on them... Wounded Bear Mar 2020 #10