i've long criticized sensationalist news (typically cable news, and the product of the 24 hour news cycle), i dont think covid is an exception. just because there are some people overreaching doesn't mean going full baghdad bob is the appropriate countermeasure
again, i dont pretend to be an expert on the issue, and you wont see me give my own projections or expected death figures or anything like that. but imo despite your constant comments about how you "aren't downplaying" it... your recent post history has seemed to be a constant downplaying of it
worldometers had the US as 268 deaths yesterday. latest update is already showing us at 398 today. we aren't a direct analogue to italy, but they havent even peaked yet (919 deaths today to 712 yesterday) and we are still "behind them" on the curve, in general. still appears things are still going to get worse before they get better, especially if POTUS says " it" and states go back to business as usuals (many states are STILL doing that)