More or Less: Behind the Stats Covid trends, face mask use, and the universal credit cut
Sep 22, 2021
Explore the shifting landscape of Covid statistics and how perceptions of mask usage might be misleading, as a shocking claim of 129 billion masks daily gets dissected. Delve into the complexities of the Universal Credit system, revealing the stark differences in estimated work hours needed to compensate for cuts. Plus, uncover fascinating insights about the historical changes in women's menstrual patterns and ponder the curious nature of holes in everyday objects. This podcast is a whirlwind of numbers, history, and intriguing concepts!
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COVID-19 Trends
- COVID-19 cases are decreasing in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but rising in Wales.
- London has the lowest case numbers, despite high population density and low vaccine uptake.
Face Mask Miscalculation
- A BBC article mistakenly claimed 129 billion single-use face masks are used daily, or 17 per person.
- The error stemmed from misinterpreting monthly data from a study on Italian workplace mask use.
Universal Credit Cut
- Therese Coffey claimed replacing the £20 universal credit cut requires 2 hours of extra work, while Keir Starmer claimed 9.
- Paul Lewis clarifies it takes 6-9 hours, depending on individual circumstances like work allowances and taxes.