The big statistical distortion in the death toll surely arises from “age and pre-existing conditions”. Whilst any death is a great sadness, until there is detailed data on the victims I find it difficult to determine a degree of personal risk. After all, it’s a form of Flu that kills tens of thousands annually, albeit that this seems more transmissible and severe in some individuals.

Disclaimer - I’m 75 with no health issues, and continuing to enjoy travel NO intention of cancelling or rescheduling anying in the diary - Malta, USA (Virginia), St. Lucia and South Africa. I refuse to participate in a Pan-Panic.