Sure, we should take some precautions from now on, but this level of hyperbole is ridiculous.
If anything, this pandemic was a good wake up call to be a bit more careful in our modern super-connected world. We should prepare in case a truly dangerous bug comes along. The hyperbole actually goes against this, see Cry Wolf.
You see the death stats and calculate a %. Once a medicine is invented the stats of injuries (both physical and financial) would trickle in. Several survivors have lost legs, lung and kidney function.
SARS and swine flu were the wake up calls. This is real deal. And yes, if we don’t learn next will be worse.
Exaggerating the impact of covid is only going to throw more fuel on the fire for people inclined towards viewing the whole thing with a great deal of skepticism. All these white lies and misleading statements add up and the result won't be improved public discourse.
Disease and climate were the issues being referenced. Taking it to mean, specifically, covid-19 is obviously not such an issue.
Or/and you forgot what happened in New York? Just imagine that in every bigger city at once.