Are you over 60 and have chronic illnesses (like diabetes)? Prepare to work from home.

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CDC tells people over 60 or who have chronic illnesses like diabetes to stock up on goods and buckle down for a lengthy stay at home

CNBC

Many Americans will be exposed to COVID-19 over the next year or so with many people in the U.S. getting sick, a top CDC official said Monday, recommending that people over 60 and anyone with chronic medical conditions buckle down for a lengthy stay home.

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It's not bad enough to really stop younger people's day to day activities, which makes it more likely to transmit.

It could be bad for high risk patients.

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“It’s fair to say that, as the trajectory of the outbreak continues, many people in the United States will at some point in time, either this year or next, be exposed to this virus and there’s a good chance many will become sick,” she said. Most people won’t develop serious symptoms, she said, adding that 15% to 20% of the people who are exposed to the virus get severely sick.

Of the 70,000 cases WHO scientists looked at, only about 2% were in people younger than 19. The odds of developing COVID-19 increase with age, starting at age 60. It’s especially lethal for people over 80.

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It's likely that younger people won't show symptoms serious enough to get tested or consult a physician - but they can still spread it.

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The CDC is recommending people with underlying conditions or who are over 60 to stock up on medications, household items and groceries to stay at home “for a period of time,” she said.

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It's basically a nasty cold for most middle aged healthy people. Some of us won't even show symptoms, but should be mindful about who we make contact with as it could be serious for older, more vulnerable populations.