[asdfasgasdgasdg]

> Secondly the mortality rate is higher too, estimated at 2-3%, with the serious cases at around 10% (please correct me if I am wrong).

I don't think we actually know that for sure. The flu mortality rates that get tossed around are the overall mortality rates, but for COVID-19 as far as I know we only know the mortality rates among those who have tested positive. Especially in a situation like what's going on, this is going to be a heavily biased sample.

Fwiw I'm not advocating idleness or putting our heads in the sand. I think taking extreme measures to prevent the spread of this disease and eradicate it is smart. I am just hoping people can keep things in perspective.

[jacquesm]

Fair enough, there is still a good amount of uncertainty. But even so with the data available 2-3% seems realistic taking into account that some under-reporting will also be happening because people die that were never tested in the first place. The testing capacity of the countries where the virus has now solidly established itself is maxed out.