No one should minimize the threat - I started a thread called "coronavirus panic buying" on 2/28 - And I specifically started it to alert people to what I saw was coming
Coronavirus panic buying
Some family/friends were not taking it seriously and I urged them to stockpile a bit, when I saw a run on masks it was easy to see what the logical progression was going to be, also tried panic buying threads at other forums which were prompt;y deleted by nervous nelly mods - To its credit, this is the only forum that let a panic buying thread stand early on. Mods are guys just like us, saw what was coming on as well and figured it wouldn't hurt to give guys an outlet to share info.
I stocked up on alcohol and handwipes, a few days later they were impossible to find [got 8 bottles of alcohol and 5 3 packs of wipes at a time when I could have got a pallet, so I don't consider that hoarding] Also had those items already on hand. Stores were actually well stocked at the time, home depot had pallets of hand wipes. I have since given some of it away to family/friends who didn't have any.
My point is, I take precautions and I act on my instincts, i'm not a guy to ignore clear signs and blow things off. Of course this is going to have a large economic impact on alot of folks, some people are going to be genuinely hurting and others rolling in the $$ ,, But we gotta keep things in perspective and look for bright spots in the gloom.
If I thought the world was going to hell in a handbasket, no I would not have bought a $640 radio, hell odds are it would never be delivered, would never get a refund and wouldn't even worry about it. We gotta keep alert, stay safe, look out for those around us who might need a little help, but always keep perspective and a clear head.
We are going through an unprecedented situation, yes it will get worse before it gets any better, but the vast majority of us will get through just fine, and we will take with us some lessons and a different outlook. Keeping a decent mental outlook can be critical, bad attitudes can cause physical afflictions - Yes, keep it real, stay informed but don't panic. I for instance am out of work right now and thats depressing, I like to work and hardly know what to do with myself when I'm not.
But I am a hustler, looking to drum up some $$ on the side, plenty of things to do around the house that I was been putting off literally for months, and soon I'll have a new scanner to mess with and listen to.
[Already have a sds100 but haven't used it connected to my roof mounted discone much. I'm into aircraft, hopefully will be able to hear the ground stations from a major airport that is about 20 miles away]