Curiously enough, that's one of the recurring recommendations from some of our local radio networks and experts: gluing yourself to the news or social media 24/7 is a good way to amp up stress and fear.

That preparation alone seems already slated to mitigate a worst-case scenario.

Though some still seem to wanna see socio-economic collapse to feel "vindicated."

Pretty much. And agree. The PRC's doing quite a bit of PR, including the donating testing kits thing.

But let's be real: the CCP's ineptitude and censorship were what allowed this situation to even escalate.

Frustrating is, if you look at the NYT or Business Insider, you'd think America is already in a new Great Depression. With experts outright claiming that global recession is imminent.

You've got both NeverTrumpers and doomers outright invoking Lyndon Johnson and 'Nam: https://nationalinterest.org/feature/trump-could-become-next-lyndon-johnson-thanks-coronavirus-133287

It would be a gross understatement to say that Trump has neglected to use the vast powers of the presidency to mount a successful response to the coronavirus pandemic. First, there were failures to prepare – such as the disbandment of the National Security Council’s directorate for dealing with global health security, as well as cuts to a host of related offices and programs. Second, there have been monumental failures to react with a sense of urgency. From bungling the development and distribution of coronavirus test kits to using his bully pulpit to spread misinformation, the President has simply failed in his duty to galvanize an effective national effort.

Of course, any president would have found it difficult to combat the spread of the coronavirus. But not all leaders would have chosen to lie about the availability of test kits in the United States, downplay the severity of the illness, offer irresponsible advice about how sick people might be able to carry on with their normal routines, or use Twitter to criticize political opponents just hours after reading a pre-prepared speech from the Oval Office that called for national unity. These mistakes were quintessentially Trumpian – and they have contributed massively to the sense of panic and confusion that now permeates American society.

Jim Antle is right: Trump’s missteps could easily cost him re-election in November. Given that the President’s approval rating has hovered at around 40 percent for the past three years, even a marginal dip in support – if sustained – would render his chances of winning the Electoral College almost non-existent. Up until now, members of Trump’s base have been reluctant to abandon their standard-bearer. But they will have ample cause to reconsider their position if the United States begins to look like a national disaster zone.

Though question: how's the state of the US economy, really?

I'm hearing a new round of "2008-09 financial crash" if not Great Depression 2.0.

Yeah. At this point, fearmongering is redundant at best, irresponsible at worst.

Hope you guys pull through this one.

Though how would you respond to those who seemed resigned to "millions will die" or think that Americans are being too calm?

Like, Taiwan and Japan aren't exactly fighting over toilet paper.

Though it might also be wise to encourage what's being brought up in my corner of Asia: don't stress yourselves out by gluing to 24/7 coverage or social media.

Fingers crossed that you guys get out alright.

Yeah. Though it seems like his downplaying it initially (which the media latched on as "treating it like it's nothing") certainly gave 'em ammo.