In Japan, COVID19 infections have happened by stages. In the earlier stages, the infection routes were identified. As clusters are created, it's becoming uncertain. Now we are seeing we cannot tell when, where and how patients got the virus. In US, there was no first stage. And now, the number of infections, confirmed only by test, is still low but it is spreading coast to coast. And the death toll is now low compared with the number of reported cases.
No need to panic. But I believe the situation in US should not be underestimated. As long as patients get good treatment, they will have better chance to recover. Large scale outbreak must be avoided because that will ruin operation of hospitals. As long as you are healthy, you have less chance to get the virus. Younger people have lower death rate. If you are above 60 and you have any suffering from disease, you have to be careful.
As I said, we should not panic. But preventive actions are so important. We do not get the virus while walking on the street. You should avoid any gathering particularly in a closed room. Church or Sunday service is a very good example. Do not touch your face while you are outside. When you come back home or when possible, wash your hands while singing Happy Birthday twice. Rinse your mouth and then gargle.
Just because the Japanese people took preventive actions, the number of flu cases decreased from10 mil in the last season to 6 mil this winter season. It is very clear that these basic actions are so important to protect ourselves.