Early estimates are simply wild speculation. I thought 2M was a ridiculous estimate, for the simple reason it generally affects the same target group as the commonly seen influenza: those with underlying conditions and the elderly. If it more like the Spanish flu, which affected the young and healthy, the 2M number would likely be a reasonable estimate.
I don't disagree with any of that, and took all of that into consideration at the outset. I modify my opinions with new data, as any scientist or public policy maker would. I, and many others, did not expect a vaccine for two main reasons:
- No vaccines have ever been developed for any coronaviruses, which have been around for decades; and
- The red tape associated with approval, resulting in vaccine development in the best case scenario taking 4-5 years.
BTW, the death rate is also lower because many areas, such as NY, were ravaged by the virus early on, and thus have a higher level of immunity to the virus.
May I assume that you don't consider being sarcastic others as being impolite, as that assumption would be necessary to arrive at that conclusion.