I'll start by saying the panic we are seeing is somewhat overblown. With proper behavior and actions you can limit your expose to COVID-19. I still go to work, eat out, and buy what I want. I just go about my day with caution. However, if you are of poor health, older generation, or have are immunosuppressed you should very well avoid people. There are some schools which remained open last week and still had no known cases.
The majority of elderly people in the assistant living in Kirkland ended up dying at the hospital. (I live in Kirkland). It wasn't until a few days ago that there were enough tests to test those who were already known to have the virus ONLY AT THAT ASSISTED LIVING. The US has tested less people than China was testing in ONE DAY. Some people will tell you it's not a big deal because so many people die from other diseases, car accidents, disasters. It's a big deal because no one is immune. It could literally infect EVERYONE leaving the hospital unable to handle those who might be saved by treatment. The death rate is MUCH higher than the flu.
As for the Seattle area, movement of people is like a slow Sunday. People are not going out and this is seriously going to hurt the economy. I've never seen anything like this in my lifetime.
This move to ban travel from Europe is absolutely a mistake. The travel bans put in place by countries hasn't worked. Airline companies are already struggling, and this just makes things worse. Great, you've prevented people from coming into the country who are MAY already be sick but you've done absolutely nothing to deal with those who are walking around spreading COVID-19 in the US already.
The main problem in the US is there are not enough tests. Until that changes, the US is going to be unable to manage this crises. Look at Italy. If enough people start getting sick (and they will), hospitals will be unable to handle the mass of patients. Instead of banning travel, the best idea is to verify those coming into the country with tests. Ideally you would test EVERYONE at the slightest hint they may have it. Unfortunately they're are no tests to do so!
Just look at Iran and Italy. To stop this virus, you have to do what China did - lockdown a city, or actively test as many people as possible. China did both.
The US has had WEEKS to prepare, and it's like we are starting as if this whole thing was new as of one week ago. On the bright side, I'm willing to bet we will see some type of low this week. Whether that be preceded by a real, final crash or not. If we do crash, I'll be buying. I have a long time to live - if COVID-19 doesn't kill me!
I actually think the travel ban will be lifted before the 30 days are up. I'm long silver and some gold. We are definitely going to see de-valuing of the dollar and massive attempts to solve the manufactured recession by throwing as much printed money our cloth and ink reserves have.
Edited by orange, 12 March 2020 - 04:53 AM.