FEAR AND FEARMONGERING are the solid two reasons COVID-19 is a big splash in the U.S. The COVID-19 totals in the U.S. are WAY LESS than those patients contracting Type A influenza, which has been around for decades.
The core problem in the U.S.? We see how blatantly infected most of Europe and Asia are with the virus--and we FEAR that, by comparison, could happen to the U.S. IF we lose containment control of COVID-19. As of March 21, 2020: The actual number of COVID-19, when posed against the number of the virus' fatalities---factored in with the RISING number of RECOVERING PATIENTS, barely suggests an uncontrollable "pandemic" as some recklessly IRRESPONSIBLE "news media" outlets have LED us to believe.
The best approach right now? Although I question many of these "medical experts" as to the ACTUAL SEVERITY of this hysterical mess, it doesn't hurt to follow their advice:
1) Go outside for a few hours and enjoy fresh air and sunshine--BUT BE RESPECTFUL OF PEOPLE ( who may be fearful germaphobes ) and adhere to the six foot or more "social distancing" rule; let's ALL work together on this one.
2) Carry gloves and hand sanitizer when you go out--in case you have to use a public restroom. I always--for years before this mess--carry at least 2 pair in my back pocket. However and no matter what: DO FOLLOW PRACTICE OF MORE HAND WASHING--WITH CAUTION OF TOUCHING QUESTIONABLE SURFACES AND/OR DOOR KNOBS.
3) STOP THE STUPID AND INSANE PANIC SHOPPING: PANIC SHOPPING ONLY WORSENS MATTERS. Again, BE CALM--BE CIVIL TO EACH OTHER--- AND STAND DEFIANT AGAINST FEAR!!
And to answer this question:
I seriously DO NOT think world-wide COVID-19 totals will be in millions--as compared to Type A flu. What the mass media IS NOT reporting: About 98% of COVID-19 U.S. deaths are the very elderly and others with CRITICAL WEAKENED immunological systems and other CRITICAL medical conditions.
To the GOOD/STRONG to AVERAGE healthy person--contacting COVID-19 is akin to contracting the standard ( Type A ) flu; you feel awful for a couple of days---AND RECOVER. Remember TO BALANCE COMMON SENSE WITH A CALM MIND.
I don't think the COVID-19 hysteria mess will cause a U.S. economic meltdown.
I, however, DO expect Corporate America, when the CDC waves the "ALL CLEAR", to recoup any of their LOSSES by use of RAISING PRICES, as they work hard finding ANY excuse to do that; COVID-19 is their golden goose in that sense.
Worth repeating: While I question those "medical experts", I do respect their advice--so for a week or two, it would NOT hurt us all to BE CIVIL, CALM AND RESPONSIBLE and be CAUTIOUS of what we touch and RESPECTFUL towards strangers by "social distancing". Staying home for a week or so MIGHT indeed WEAKEN COVID-19 DOWN to minuscule levels.....and give us the time necessary to be better prepared next year.
Mr., Ms or Mrs. Anti-Christ? Hmmm........ I say pose that question to an Ancient Astronaut theorist; let's WORK TOGETHER in weakening COVID-19 in the U.S.