I can tell you that I live in a major city too, and the ERs around here were filled. Clinics were being inundated with inquiries as well.
As for declaring this situation a level five, I hardly think that’s keeping composure in the face of the facts.
The WHO practically melted down over this non-event.
“Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.”
Above is the definition for Phase 5. I don’t see how the classification is in anyway incorrect. What are the facts you are speaking of?
Phase 6, the pandemic phase, is characterized by community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to the criteria defined in Phase 5. Designation of this phase will indicate that a global pandemic is under way.
This is the definition for Phase 6. Notice that these classifications have nothing to do with how severe the disease is, or how many deaths have occurred. They concern the method of transmission, and how far the virus has traveled. It appears to me that WHO is correct in its classification. If you want to blame anyone, blame the media. They have failed to properly explain exactly what a pandemic is, and how people should react.
I will ask you again. Do you think it is better for you to have accurate information, so that you can decide the proper level of risk for your family, or should the government keep the information to itself, and make those decisions for you?