Hey all. Figured I'd post just to add some of my own perspective, as it's at least somewhat unique, and figure it may help some people understand the gravity of this situation. My brother is a Dr. in NYC (knows all the doctors that were in last night's 60 mins episode, for instance), my dad is a pharmacist, and I work in public health. I'm no medical expert, but working in public policy/health gives me a unique perspective in understanding how society reacts/responds to things like this, how the government should respond, policies that may work, etc (I was noting that we could be in this exact situation we're currently in back in late january, for instance, and warning everyone that, while the virus may or may not be incredibly serious, the societal reaction/panic will be), while my dad and brother have genuine expertise and help me understand this from a more medical perspective.

So, I've been talking to both dad and brother daily for a month or so now (both are conservative, so... idk, take that to mean whatever you want). My dad was completely not concerned about this until this past week. He was going to the gym, not worrying about social distancing, etc, but is now a bit worried. My brother, on the other hand, is very difficult to read, as he's arguably even more stoic than I am, and doesn't show emotions. He told me yesterday he will definitely contract the virus, and has likely already been exposed. He also said he wasn't worried about it.

He told me his hospital is entirely covid-19 patients now, and that "if everyone with the virus left, the hospital would be completely empty." He said this is the case for all hospitals in the city now, so to those saying "do you even know anyone with the virus?" Yes, it's real, and yes, the hospitals in NYC are at capacity with virus patients.

What about the situation with supplies, etc? Is it true doctors/nurses only get 1 mask per day? Yes, this is also true. I asked my brother if he wanted me to send him some n95 masks I have, and he said he was fine, and that 1 a day was plenty -- so while it's true that they only get 1 mask, he seems to think 1 is plenty. He also said, yesterday (before FDA approval) that they've been treating patients with the H+A combo for some time now, and denied that they are making it difficult to get or to use. He implied its usage was widespread, and said he hoped FDA would approve for corona treatment only because of it's implications outside the hospital (meaning, it'll be easier for doctors to prescribe it to non-hospitalized patients, which will lessen the burden on hospitals).

He told me his main concern is the hospitals being overwhelmed, as this will lead to significant deaths no matter the mortality rate of the virus, and they are on the brink, or maybe past it, already. He says the mortality rate is likely significantly lower than the ~2% we're currently hearing, but again, this can be significant enough if the hospitals are overwhelmed. He said the key is catching it early enough, because once it becomes a respiratory issue, no matter your age, it's going to be a tough battle to win. He said you'll be on a respirator for a long time, and most never come off (meaning they die), so it's really important to make sure hospital beds remain open to treat patients quickly before they hit this point. The FDA approval, and being able to treat patients in and outside the hospital will really help a lot, and keep patients from ever reaching the point of needing the ICU/respirator.

Now, again, he's very stoic, but I also know how to read him, and I can tell he's more worried then he's letting on. He won't answer certain questions, and redirects or changes the subject when I ask something like "so, is it unlikely I get it?" or "If I get it, is it likely to be mild/unlikely I'll end up in the hospital," etc. So, while he's putting on a brave face, I believe it's to keep my mom, and to an extent myself, from worrying. NYC right now is apocalyptic. He says it's so eerily quiet, nobody on the streets, everything closed, people cheer from their windows when he and other doctors walk down the street, and the hospitals are near overflowing entirely with corona patients.

My dad seems far more hopeful about the H+A combo really working and tackling this thing. I really hope he's right, because my brother's perspective, quite honestly, only made me more worried.

And here I am, mostly in the middle of nowhere, just trying to do my part, stay inside, and continue working from home in a (somewhat related to the virus) role that might help, but nowhere near to the point my brother can help. Our doctors are our soldiers right now, and I'm so worried for, but also so proud of, my brother right now.

Anyway, I know there's nothing groundbreaking in this post, but as I noted, sometimes some added perspective and anecdotal experience/testimonials can be helpful in understanding the unknown. Feel free to ask me any questions and I'll try and answer, or just have a discussion, etc. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay at home, everyone -- God bless!