“This new coronavirus—dubbed SARS-CoV-2—is unquestionably dangerous. It causes a disease called COVID-19, which can be deadly, particularly for older people and those with underlying health conditions. While the death rate among infected people is unclear, even some current low estimates are seven-fold higher than the estimate for seasonal influenza.
And SARS-CoV-2 is here in the US, and it’s circulating—we are only starting to determine where it is and how far it has spread. Problems with federal testing have delayed our ability to detect infections in travelers. And as we work to catch up, the virus has kept moving. It now appears to be spreading in several communities across the country. It’s unclear if we will be able to get ahead of it and contain it; even if we can, it will take a lot of resources and effort to do it.”
—Beth Mole, “Don’t Panic: The comprehensive Ars Technica guide to the coronavirus.” Ars Technica. March 11, 2020.
Beth Mole’s science writing is on point. But, let’s not lie to ourselves. This idea that the United States is going to contain this pandemic is nothing short of fantasy. By May, there will be hospital crises across the country, and it will likely resurge in October after a summer lull. Best to accept this as fact.
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