So, it looks like the omicron variant is running out of steam.  No, wait- it’s running out of steam in the more populated areas of the USA.  But, it’s still infecting folks in the other regions of the USA.

At the same time, many folks – whether the pandemic is raging or waning- are demanding an end to restrictions- against masks, against vaccines, and against social distancing.

But, it seems that there is a correlation for the attitudes of those folks.   A study done by worldwide researchers in the COVID-19 National Preparedness Collaborators (led by Drs. TJ Bollyky, EN Hulland, and J Dieleman) published their findings in the Lancet.  (Pandemic preparedness and COVID-19: an exploratory analysis of infection and fatality rates, and contextual factors associated with preparedness in 177 countries, from Jan 1, 2020, to Sept 30, 2022)

And, the title  for their study was explicit.  Across these 177 countries (all of whom contribute data to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation database), factors such as infection rates, fatality ratio, age, economic output, population density, BMI, smoking, cancer, and more were examined to see if they could provide a clue as to the intensity of the pandemic.

Now, just because one was looking for links and correlations does not mean they will be found.  Which is exactly the results obtained.

There were, however,  three factors that linked to lower infection rates:  low governmental corruption, trust in government, and interpersonal trust.  In particular, trust in one’s government had the highest correlation.  (In other words, having the government provide valid science – and having the populace follow that advice- was the paramount correlation.)

When folks are more amenable to pay attention to the public health authorities- which means observing social distancing, wearing masks, and obtaining vaccines- the infection rates were the lowest.  As were the death rates.

When we trust our fellow citizens (and regard them as equal to ourselves), then we are all more willing to don masks to protect every one of us.

Not surprising, when folks smoke or are obese (health factors that are controllable to a large degree by ourselves), outcomes were generally worse.

To be honest, these correlations surprised the research team.  They had thought that the wealthier nations (like US) would be the best prepared for the pandemic. But, robust health expenditures did not (and can not) negate poor leadership and/or dysfunctional political environments.

Now, there’s a lesson there for dealing with the next pandemic.  Governments have to be prepared, employ sound science and reasoning, and communicate to their populace clearly.  To ensure the greatest survival rates.