I think the only disconnect we have is that I think different people will take this story in different ways. Some of the people in this thread I think are in the minority that is very worried about covid and the real effects its having on them or their loved ones and to them this article isnβt sensationalist.
Generally I agree with you though, most people will take an article like this as proof that the media is always full of shit and fearmongering for money and that feeling isnβt unfounded.