I got some email responses:

" Ugh, the Simpson’s always call it don’t they? "

" We had a conversation in our house the other day - pretty much exactly what you were writing about. I fear you’re right in your ‘predictions’. I honestly don’t know what to believe anymore. And I try and not watch too much news or get caught up in everyone’s “wrong” status updates on the situation because everyone is an “expert". But I do tend to agree with you. Also, I disagree with the person who commented on your writing - I think the Simpson’s reference is perfect for us ‘normies’ - everyone believes the Simpsons! :) "

And another who's "taking social distancing pretty seriously right now", with good reasons, but sadly not really taking in my message of skepticism. Too much fear can cloud the hope that comes with skepticism. Maybe hope isn't the right word. I don't know why, but I feel far more calm and confident with healthy skepticism and accepting that I don't know, rather than being afraid and not knowing or posing certainty. Maybe that's something to tap into. If we could just make people feel better with skepticism we might win the war for our minds...