Book Series 6

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.
The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.
Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is
only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.
The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.
Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is
only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.
The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.

Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is

only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.
Lockdown critic says COVID-19 is
only slightly worse than the flu
By George Driver
September 14, 2020
AAP FACTCHECK INVESTIGATION:
Is the fatality rate for COVID-19 only marginally worse than the seasonal flu?
THE STATEMENT
“The Ioannidis study shows the death rate (for COVID-19) is only very marginally worse
than the standard flu viruses that kill hundreds of sick and elderly New Zealanders every
year.”

Simon Thornley, senior lecturer in epidemiology, University of Auckland. September 6,

2020.
THE ANALYSIS
A group calling for New Zealand to relax restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19
claims the virus is only marginally worse than the seasonal flu.

The assertion was made by COVID Plan B, a group of six academics including three
health science lecturers. The group has called for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns,
arguing the risks of the virus have been overstated and lockdowns are more harmful
than the virus itself.