We're still seeing COVID-19 deniers, albeit fewer every day. They were partying across Florida beaches, not letting a little virus sidetrack their spring break. A few defiant restaurant/bar owners have kept their dine-in areas open, not wanting to sacrifice profits for safety.
They're saying the situation is overblown, and that it's no worse than the flu. That comparison has been a common refrain. But it's not valid.
Even President Trump, who himself used this argument not long ago and said the virus was a "hoax," has changed his tone and now is taking drastic measures to prevent the virus' spread.
One reason might be because he's listening to his experts. Anthony Fauci, Trump's chief infectious-disease expert, said in congressional testimony that the coronavirus is 10 times more lethal than the flu.
Here are some other reasons COVID-19 is far more of a danger than the flu:
The flu vaccine isn't perfect, but it saves many lives, in part because it helps to build "herd immunity." For COVID-19, there is no vaccine. Testing for one has started, and that process could take about a year.
COVID-19 spreads like wildfire, faster than the flu. Since Dec. 1, 2019, it has spread to more than 150 countries/territories.
USA Today reports 23.8 million Americans could contract COVID-19, leaving almost six seriously ill patients for every existing hospital bed. That's based on data from the American Hospital Association, U.S. Census, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. The flu results in an estimated 200,000 hospital visits in the U.S. each year, according to healthline.com. The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security estimated 38 million Americans will need medical care for COVID-19.
Our city, county and state leaders also are taking the threat seriously. For that, we commend them. We're not fans of government overreach, but this is one time when our government needs to step in to protect us from ourselves.
Starting today, gatherings of 10 or more people - indoor or outdoor - will be banned in Cole County. That includes restaurants, bars and movie theaters. Curbside, take-out, drive-thru, and food delivery still are allowed. Certain exemptions apply, including for religious organizations, child care facilities and grocery stores.
The trajectory of COVID-19's spread will be determined by our actions in the upcoming days and weeks. We need a unified front against the virus. Let's all do our part.
News Tribune
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