Yeah, the CDC has almost two months to prepare the country and states for this thing and they dont even have enough tests for all those that need testing in Seattle let alone the rest of the country. There are probably hundreds of undiagnosed people in the Seattle area right now but no one knows because testing is so far behind. What a shit show.

Northern Italy is in lockdown and quarantine. They have one of the oldest populations in the world and the death rate there so far is tracking at an alarming 5%.

Take this seriously folks and take the necessary precautions, if not for yourself, for your parents, seniors, and those with health conditions.

If that happens (which it could), it will overwhelm our hospitals and healthcare system with the 10-20% that will require hospitalization. Many more otherwise treatable patients could die due to lack of beds and vital equipment.

Rather than resigning yourself to the we're all going to get this by summer, taking precautions now and in the coming months is important. The longer we can delay it spreading in our communities and countries, the more time we buy for vaccines and treatments beginning trials now.

I'm not saying panic and dont live your life. I am saying don't be complacent and take the attitude infection is inevitable.

No. Italy is currently locked down and under quarantine. Reports are many hospitals there are overflowing with sick COVID19 patients.

I don't ever recall seasonal flu quarantining entire countries and leading to the measures currently being taken by governments and companies here and around the world... but then again, I wasn't alive on 1918 during the Spanish Flu.

Guess you are younger and don't give a rat's ass about your parents, seniors, or those less fortunate then yourself health wise.

Honestly, the complacency and selfishness around this thing by too many on social media these days is disturbing.

Governments don't quarantine millions of people and large companies like mine suspend all air travel over seasonal flu.

If you want to compare this to the flu, fine. At least be accurate and make the comparison to the Spanish Flu. If this spreads to the same number as those that typically get the flu, it is going to take a much heavier toll health wise and economically.

I'm just tired of those downplaying this as if it is no worse than the flu. It just isn't true as none of us have immunity to it and the numbers that would require treatment or hospitalization should it spread like No. Italy, could overwhelm the healthcare system.

We all have contact with the elderly and immune compromised everyday just by going out and living life.

If you're infected, you will spread this to others. That is why they are asking people with known exposure to self quarantine for 14 days

Exactly. For those that don't get it read about what is happening in Italy right now. The hospitals are over run and many who need hospital care are being told to stay home as there arent any beds or space left.

They are saying there also aren't enough respirators. I read if it continues to spread there, over 18,000 more will need care by the end of the month and the healthcare system in the north could collapse from strain and exhaustion.

Of course, it's just the flu... I mean entire countries lockdown and quarantine the entire population during cold and flu season all the time.

Especially that Italian prime minister. How dare he lockdown and quarantine the entire country!

Yep. It is going to be a rough stretch. My company (a large multinational) just suspended all but business critical air travel.

Companies don't take these measures unless there is a real and legitimate threar and concern. Moreover, governments like Italy don't lockdown the entire population over media motivated hype and exaggeration.

It is real and our best hope here is people all realize that soon in order to take the necessary precautions to try to prevent a wave of seriously ill that overwhelm our hospitals and health system.

Probably many cruise ships in dry dock right now that could be leased on the cheap for a big tourney. Who is in?

Yep. There are a lot more people in the US right now undiagnosed with the virus. CDC botched testing plans even though they had almost two months to prepare so there arent enough tests for everyone that needs to be tested.

I'm just going on the assumption there are more people walking around other than the 2 diagnosed here in Utah and in Las Vegas where I have to travel frequently for work. I am taking precautions accordingly

More like a 30-60 days when quarantine on the ship is included to the cruise itenerary.

March Madness will be played without fans and rumors are the NBA will follow by this weekend.

In light of what is happening, I dont see any way a arcade/pinball expo with any significant amount of people happens this year. Not trying to beca debbie downer but this is basically reality at this point.

Thank the Chinese government and their negligence allowing medieval type wild animal markets to continue on unregulated since the SARS outbreak (same source - wild animal markets - as covid19) for giving this to the world.

I get your point. Given the rogue government that rules China, who knows what we should believe at this point.

I’ve heard that people that work in these labs have been known to sell lab animals to the idiots that run these wild animal markets in the past so who knows. Either way, the Chinese government bears a significant amount of responsibility due to negligence for this disaster.

When it is all said and done and this dark period in world history is over, I hope nations of the world confront China and demand change if they want to continue to be part of the global economic community.