| | | Just found this interesting item - a speech by the PM of Singapore. An interesting speech, summarizing the situation and the disease, advising the public what to expect, what to do, etc. Among other things, this:
The new coronavirus is similar to Sars, but with two important differences. First, the new virus is more infectious than Sars. Therefore it is harder to stop it from spreading. Second, the new virus is much less dangerous than Sars. About 10 per cent of those who caught Sars died. With the new virus, outside of Hubei province, the mortality rate is so far only 0.2 per cent. In comparison, seasonal influenza has a death rate of 0.1 per cent. So in terms of mortality, the new virus is much closer to influenza than Sars. straitstimes.com
The fatality rate among confirmed cases OUTSIDE of Hubei is currently closer to 0.3%, but it’s quite possible that it will drift lower.
He talks a bit about hoarding, about some sensible precautions, etc.
I think by now it can be said with a fair amount of confidence that the disease will likely spread, that it will be dangerous - likely, worse than flu - but it won’t be a super mass killer like the Spanish flu or SARS. |
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