Scary virus outbreak in China

A few points from my research:

1. Despite what the media profess, we really don’t have enough data to make any accurate predictions at this point. Intellectual honesty necessitates disregarding all data from China as unreliable. The data from other countries is not sufficient to make accurate predictions yet, as the sample sets are too low - at least to entertain discussions of a “global pandemic”.

2. Much is being made of the first death on US soil. While tragic, this individual had “contributing medical conditions”, that most certainly increased their susceptibility to this particular virus. This is important, as it significantly curtails the impact projections of the virus on the general population - or at least it should.

3. This virus (as well as all viruses, as far as I know), has no political affiliation. Further, as the virus clearly started in China, I fail to see how any US political figure could have had a hand in either it’s creation or it’s spread. The sheer irresponsibility of the media to lay this virus at the feet of political figures is perplexing. This also seems to be a new trend, as I do not recall the rabid politicization of Swine-flu or Bird-flu.

4. The media. They are either unwilling or unable to display even a modicum of responsibility. It is indeed nauseating to listen to the barely concealed glee you hear behind the non-stop blather about the impending “global pandemic”. If they were even the least bit responsible, they would wait for, and report, the facts - and stop the endless parade of speculation, projection and prophecy, all based on incomplete and/or false data.

5. Unless you are trying to protect others from you, stop buying and hoarding face masks for god’s sake. Wearing a mask actually INCREASES your chance of contracting a viral agent because it brings your hands to your face with greater frequency.