The age difference in South Africa is only one of a number of factors. That particular factor infers a worse outcome in other countries. However, we have to also take into account that South Africa has a low vaccination rate, high infection rate and a high percentage of immunocompromised people.

UK will be a better indicator.

Lastly, dont overlook the difference in the symptom sets. So far, doctors in South Africa are not seeing oxygen levels dropping, which previously was a reliable indicator of severity. To me, this is the piece we need to hear about.

When hospitals have room they are more likely to admit patients that are less severe (which may be a partial cause of the shorter average stay) Shorter average stay is also a factor in whether or not hospitals are overwhelmed (half as long of a stay allows for twice as many patients)