Clubs still allowing sailing

Originally posted by A2Z

Originally posted by A2Z

Originally posted by Mozzy

Originally posted by Cirrus

Some speculation about the possible cause of excess deaths seemingly is an attempt to avoid the real issue.   Covid-19 is obviously dangerous, kills widely and very very obviously is the key factor here.  
Speculation about excess deaths is not an attempt to cover the real issue at all.

It's plainly obvious that huge numbers are dying from covid. No one is disputing that. And it's plainly obvious that thousands have died before their time, because we are seeing excess deaths. I'ts also pretty obvious that the NHS could have been overwhelmed if we didn't enter lock-down, and still could be if we exit it too early. 

My point is we don't have to make assumptions about the excess deaths, because the data is there. And to assume covid is behind all excess deaths and there are no other issues is a bit simplistic. There will be indirect deaths, and we need to limit these as well.  

So this isn't really a discussion about lockdown measures (aimed at reducing the spread of the virus to ensure capacity). It's more about the policy of cancelling non-essential care, and care in the community. And early discharge. Plus the fear of being treated alongside covid patients. There is a real cost to these policies, and the excess deaths due to non-covid causes is an indication that people are paying with their lives. 

Of course, I don’t think there just any argument there.  But no one is dieing because they can’t go for a sail.

My point was from the data on deaths you can already see some collateral and whilst not as high as the covid deaths, it could be very significant (1/5 or 1/4).  

In many cases this collateral could be avoidable. Hence my point about there being many spare beds which just aren't being used. 

Dogmatically sticking with the first set of rules the government came up with maybe isn't the way forward. And if we can see ways to reduce collateral then we should explore them. We're in this in the long run, and we can do better. 

Now, sailing is much further down the list. But why can't the RYA be thinking about reducing the impact on sailing simultaneously to cancer treatment clinics looking at ways they can continue? Clearly one is more important than the other, but why can't we look at both? Why just resign ourselves to it being part of the collateral damage?  

Sure, after four weeks people aren't dying from not sailing. But in 6 months people will be dying of the cumulative mental and physical tolls of lack of outdoor activity, lack of social contact, economic troubles etc. Refusing to even contemplate discussing reducing this collateral seems odd. Why do have to dogmatically stick to the initial rules? Why can't we review and identify area which could improve people health and quality of life going forward? 