But the infection rate is a lot higher ... more people will be infected. While the mortality rate may stay at a lower 1-2%, the total number of deaths may be higher. We just don't know yet. So yes, don't panic, but do be cautious. There also is a vaccine for the flu ... okay, it doesn't cover all strains, but it will lessen the severity if you do get it. I see no panic here in this thread on TD ... only people taking it seriously. I'm sure we have many posters here on TD who fall into one of the more vulnerable categories. Now ... if we hear people here are out buying 200 rolls of TP? That's panic. But doing due diligence to stop its spread is warranted. That is not panic. Be careful labeling people as panicky when they choose to follow protocols issued by the CDC, NIH, WHO ... When was the last time you saw an entire country being locked down? And until everyone has been tested and this has run its course, we don't know actual numbers of anything. While I'm not worried about myself, as I'm not in any high risk group, I am being very careful because of all the people I come in contact with throughout my day, especially my elderly mother. And I know several people who have asthma. It's for that reason I'm being cautious by trying to limit my contact with people and things, washing my hands more often, staying home rather than going out ... What we know is that this is a highly infectious strain. I think it wise that sporting events are being cancelled, postponed or played without an audience. I don't think that's panicking ... I think we're seeing officials follow protocols.