Because you need to get the attention of (1) the man in the street, and (2) politicians. And if the politicians aren't taking notice, they will get a quick wake-up call from their electorate.
Australian news outlet uses a log plot. It certainly has a benefit, as you can clearly compare different countries. Is your growth rate more like Italy's, or more like Japan's? We, in Australia, certainly need to do better.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-26/coronavirus-covid19-g...