[Kazan]

If true, according to the existing statistics that would mean 20,000 will need to be hospitalized, with 8000 of that number needing special ICU care

Not necessarily. The symptoms might be so mild that those with it aren't seeking medical care. Corona might not be any worse than the ordinary flu.

It was estimated 29 million had the flu this year. The number of deaths due to the flu was 20,000.

[LouieFisk]

“It was estimated 29 million had the flu this year. The number of deaths due to the flu was 20,000.”
—
Projected into CV19 and using the best percentage, real world (South Korea, .5 %) that translates to 145000 dead Americans.
Also, keep in mind the flu has a vaccine that lessens it’s severity and it’s been treated for many, many years - it’s not a stranger. Against CV19, the new kid on the block, there is no defense.