http://sn.1w6.org/file/clacke-20200221T164656-tcg9568.html

I was going to say this:

"I'd be interested to hear an estimate how many seasonal flu deaths were avoided this season thanks to precautions taken against covid-19."

But then I was checking how many flu deaths HK usually has. So far this season we've had, as far as I've heard, on the order of 10 flu deaths, and I think 2 covid deaths out of a couple of dozen serious infections. I've seen a number that maybe there were 32 deaths last season.

But do you remember big headlines when HK had an unusually strong flu season two years ago, over 100 people died in one month, over 200 people were in serious condition, and schools in "an unusual move" closed early before Chinese New Year to stave off the spread? I don't remember that, and I had a child in kindergarten at the time.

There was no panic buying of pork, rice and toilet paper, no quarantines, no violent protests over where to put the infected, etc.

What determines whether people will freak out or not?

www.news.com.au/lifestyle/heal…