The Coronavirus Is Deadly for Older People

This may be common knowledge by now, but just in case it’s not, here is the approximate case fatality rate—i.e., your chances of dying if you get infected—for the coronavirus by age group:

For those under 50, catching the coronavirus is no fun but not very deadly. Things get worse when you hit your 50s and 60s. It’s still not panic territory, but it’s obviously worth taking precautions seriously.

However, above age 70 the coronavirus is very, very dangerous. If you work with the elderly, you need to ensure that they stay safe, self-quarantine when necessary, and follow the CDC’s hand washing advice. This also goes for any media outlet that has an older demographic. If you write for Fox News or the Atlantic, you shouldn’t downplay the seriousness of the coronavirus epidemic. Given the average age of your viewers and readers, that’s just irresponsible.

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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