Johnny:

As I understand things, this virus will affect millions of people, with the
greatest risk of serious illness or death being, as you say, for the elderly
and or those with underlying health issues.

By allowing people to come together in large groups, chances increase that
large numbers of people will become sick in a short period of time,
overwhelming hospitals and healthcare professionals.

So lets say, simplifying and using round numbers, that 100 million Americans
will catch this virus. There is a big difference if 50 million people get sick
in each of the next two months (overwhelming our healthcare infrastructure), as
opposed to 10 million people being stricken each month over the next 10 months.
This is why (and as I type this apparently March Madness has been cancelled?)
there is a concerted effort to prevent people from congregating in large
groups.

I am trying to remain calm, but now regret having read "Andromeda Strain", "The
Stand" and "The Hot Zone".

The largest benefit of a Kentucky Derby without spectators would be the absence
of the ridiculous TV network coverage of celebrities, their selections, their
hats, what they are drinking, etc.