When Katrina hit New Orleans, within 24 hrs the media was reporting incidents of cannibalism as food supplies ran short. Of course, it wasn't true. But the media loves a good scare, and it's easy to do.
If the government wants to cut off the supply of gasoline to drivers, just tell 'em the tank farm didn't get filled yesterday. The public will buy it. I'm not clear on the motivation, but the Left is working a strategy. That seems clear.
Media and gov declared a highly deadly pandemic mandating lock downs and wearing muzzles. Well, that was pretty easy.