[giovan-ni]

As another resident (Milano), I think corruption is endemic in the regional health system. This is, of course, not to deny Lombardy healthcare compares well relative to that of most other Italian and European regions. Still, it was clearly overwhelmed and mismanaged. In my opinion, this and the timing of the first response account for the many deaths. And those in charge of both need to be held accountable.

That said, I do think the numbers of the Policlinico study might well be representative, at least regarding Milano. It is just anecdotal, but I know a lot of people there that got sick, but where unable to get tested, or waited weeks before receiving any treatment.

[lbeltrame]

Unfortunately this year the flu, for those who got it, was quite strong as far as I can tell, so it's a real confounding factor.

[giovan-ni]

Symptoms are quite different, though. And they are evaluated by the ‘medico di base’ (general practitioner) before requesting a viral test. So I am not clear on what could be confounding.