Surprised by expected death toll

We are definitely not prepared for this. I think that people thought this would not happen here in the United States. And even when there are evidences of it being a pandamic, people are still traveling, going to parties and gatherings when they have been told repeatedly not to. We are learning this lesson in a hard way.

We are all stunned by this turn of events, but the raw numbers are not so surprising. The population of the US is more than twice the combined populations of the countries you mentioned.
Of more concern to me, as lioness says, is the number of people still in denial.
Sue

I feel that there are people who refuse to follow the guidelines due to the independent values America eschews along with denial that this is actually happening. I find this so unfortunate that these people are putting so many people at risk 😔😔😔

@ihatediabetes - I don’t think it is US being caught flat footed by the pandemic, but seeing how fast it spreads. We have only really been aware of it since early this year. Our country is much larger than most other countries affected. In Italy it’s devastating- many people from other countries were gathered in a small area for skiing during school winter break. They returned home and got sick etc. in Italy it got worse because the health care system in that area became overloaded, running out of protective supplies- leading to many health care workers dying.
Most countries have some preparedness, but not to the extent of the spread. I think our medical experts have been right on it since the beginning, but hindered by slow decision making by administration and in individual states.
It is definitely hard to comprehend how many people ignore the recommendations to stay isolated to avoid catching the virus and spreading it.
I’m staying in- I’m older with health issues.