It isn’t deadly because it’s deadly, it’s extremely deadly because it’s extremely transmissible. 0.5-2% mortality doesn’t sound deadly unless it’s 0.5-2% of 345 million people.
That's what is so scary about the he 501.V2 variant, also known as 20C/501Y.V2, B.1.351 lineage or colloquially the South African COVID-19 variant (no offense).
From Wiki
Scientists noted that the variant can attach more easily to human cells because of three mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the spike glycoprotein of the virus: N501Y (a change from asparagine (N) to tyrosine (Y) in amino-acid position 501), K417N, and E484K.[10][11] Two of these mutations, E484K and N501Y, are within the receptor-binding motif (RBM) of the receptor-binding domain (RBD).
Not sure what all that means, but it sure sounds onimus.
You are correct.
It is extremely transmissible because it is brand new lab created virus.
Best way to develop immunity is to acquire a small dose of virus cells and let the body create immunity. Our bodies have been doing that since our ancestors Lucy lived in Olduvai gorge in east Africa. Growing up in virus infested India, I never even came down with flu during my 60 years in USA.