I don’t think people are getting the main problem here. All the talk of statistics, case fatality rates, R-noughts etc is well and good, but that’s not what’s driving discourse at the moment. Taking some recent headlines straight off the news.com.au page (yes it’s tabloid but it’s also what a lot of Australians read so...):
“Expecting up to 25 cases: Hundreds Flying In From Virus Hotspots”
“Returned Travellers Refusing Virus Tests”
“Surprise Party Infects 18 Guests”
“Scary 9 Day Virus Milestone”
“This Virus Isn’t Going Anywhere”
ANY new cases of this virus are being treated as a tabloid media tragedy. To the point where the media have lost all focus on any rational plans to live with this virus, and solely create headlines to scare the public which politicians in turn have to react to. People obviously want something close to eradication.
Victoria has 29 new cases and media reports it as an utter disaster. Yesterday Germany had 500 new cases, Spain 400, Italy 200 and France 300 but over there things are getting back to normal, borders are reopening without restriction and airlines are flying again. I’m sure the lack of fearmongering news sites like news.com.au helps with their mindset