Meanwhile an estimated 29 million people have been made stick by the flu here in the U.S. already.
gameoverman wrote: Tue Feb 25, 2020 6:36 pm
Haha, then what's the point of saying anything that sounds like a calamity is headed our way? I mean, if the ones at the top don't know, then anything I declare right here carries as much weight as what they are saying since none of us knows. That's what I mean when I say it's worthless. It's a statement that doesn't help anyone.
To paraphrase a public health maxim, anything we say before a public health crisis is over-reacting. Anything we say after is too late. The best we can do is maintain a constant media presence and communicate to people that just because they're not seeing something directly in front of them, that doesn't mean it's not coming and they shouldn't be aware. As such, prepare *now* for what might happen. It's a fine line. Too much and people resist and claim we're being ridiculous. Not enough and they complain we didn't warn them. In this day and age figuring out the best way to communicate risk and preparation is not easy by any means.
People are stocking up on supplies, sure. But that's something that people should have done before anyone knew this virus existed. So telling people to prepare is just repeating the same recommendations people get every time there is a tornado, hurricane, or earthquake.
Which many people still don't do. I really thought after Hurricane Sandy things were going to change (at least in my general area) but there have been additional smaller event in my area where people are absolutely crippled after not having power for 24 hours. It just happened again a few months ago in an area slightly north of me after an ice storm rolled through and people in $500K homes were complaining about long lines at a pizzeria - because they had no way to heat their homes or prepare any food without power. Not everyone needs to be Cody Lundin, but if you can't survive 72 hours sheltered in place, that's potentially concerning.
It makes me wonder what the plan is for people who can't afford to stockpile supplies. If this really goes down this way then those with thousands of rounds of ammo will be glad they have them. The rest of us will have to get medieval.
If it get to that point we're collectively fuct, so I'd say enjoy whatever supplies you have and go down swinging.
I'm not sure I can break her of the habit of making me pick up something at the grocery almost daily, or those several doctor visits a month for no real good reason. 
