Hi odyssey
Interesting points.
Let's look at the true underlying level of Covid as distinct from variations due to variations in the testing regime.
Past levels of Covid giving immunity now
Italy seemed to be on the verge of collapse last year. And so maybe their cumulative level of Covid is moving them towards herd immunity.
Has Ireland had a lower cumulative rate? Which means we have less natural immunity.
Levels of TB vaccination in the population
Was there some report that countries with a greater level of TB vaccination were less susceptible to Covid?
Levels of restrictions/ mask wearing
We seem to be back to normal levels of socialising in Ireland and Europe generally. I am staying out of packed pubs, but I believe that a lot of the pubs are packed.
Increased levels of indoor socialising
The southern European countries seem to have lower rates. Are they still eating and drinking outside. In Northern Europe we can't really eat and drink outside.
Vaccination rates and waning of immunity due to early vaccination
Ireland was successful in getting high levels of vaccination comparatively early. So maybe the immunity is waning now. Wasn't Israel ahead of the curve on early vaccination and then got another wave by surprise as immunity reduced.
Level of boosters
Not sure where we are in Ireland compared to other countries.
I'd say it's a combination of all the above and other reasons.
I think we have become complacent and there was an expectation, despite the facts, that once you were vaccinated you could return to " normal " life, and many did.
When one looks back since March 2020 the population had rowed in behind what needed to be done to try and control the virus, but now that's all forgotten and this will make the situation more difficult.
The "vox pops" that are being sent out by some, for example, " when should have nationalised private hospitals", or we should "have increased ICU beds" and loads more , simply emboldens people to simply blame the government and justify their actions.
People say the messaging from Government is contradictory, perhaps there has been instances when that happened, but the message was/is simple, continue with good health practices and the booster will help but its certainly not going to be the panacea .
Austrian PM yesterday said something like " you have rights but you also have responsibilities to your fellow citizens " .
Finally I doubt we will ever fully understand why we are where we are, due to insufficient data analysis or lack of political will.