> As an Italian, I raise my eyebrows every time China is mentioned as an example for the successful containment of this virus. It could do that because it could afford to take the economical hit and because it is an authoritarian state,

You know what is MUCH more effective than an authoritarian response? An _earlier response_.

An earlier response, even if it weaker, is much more potent than a stronger later response.

The intensity of china's response would not be necessary where the response is faster.

> but following rules in place in an outbreak does not mean one should not question their principles.

The best way to preserve civil rights and not have to bend them to protect against loss of life is to respond as early as you can reasonable justify.

In the US the fact that our principles (and laws!) tie our hands somewhat is all the more reason that it's important that we act aggressively within the space that our society allows.

> Personally I'd like fast-tracking of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs instead

Responding earlier keeps people alive longer for those drugs to become available.