Has something changes, or is the situation difference? Covid 19 has a higher infection rates and higher mortality rates and the detail of how these change dependent on age and other medical factors is important. To many eyes the rates still look low, but you don’t need a big increase to make the 60m and 12k much higher. When a vaccine becomes available is also key, but until then trying to limit the total number of people, especially in the vulnerable categories, is the only action we have.
You say supposedly, why? Obviously they are estimates, but credible ones.
As for panic buying? That just comes from selfishness and stupidity.
A few links:
https://www.healthline.com/health-ne...irus-(COVID-19)
https://www.medicinenet.com/script/m...iclekey=228575
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105