The absolute numbers aren't important right now. The conclusions on who is most at risk is the most valuable in terms of preparation and concern. Mortality rate could vary by country according to quality of care and the benefits of modern equipment in good hospitals. Also, baseline health of the older population groups are definitely a factor. I read that bit about the strains and it sounds like a bid for grant money but yeah, maybe it's a factor too. In other words, what happens in China and South Korea can be a guide but not a predictor of what happens in US and Canada.
I'm glad if other people take supplements. I don't. Let's not go there.
It's only 2% mortality rate if the same factors are present in the accounting and you come down with it. The "and" in that statement is important.
A good assessment of what is really important in the data breakdown, there's been some widely varying reports of the overall mortality rate, especially in countries with good medical care systems. The public will focus on the death rate, but the real focus should be on the hospitalization rate and trying to control the spread through public health measures and that requires testing, hence the main issue.
They should sort out the strain issue and I'm sure they are gonna take it into account in data analysis, though I doubt the tests currently used can differentiate between strains. As for supplements I generally agree, but I've presented good evidence on vitamin D and its it efficacy in mitigating the worst effects of this illness, many older adults are deficient in vitamin D. As for zinc, there is not so much evidence, but it's a reasonable bet with no downside for an older adult.
I'm not sure South Korea would be a good model for the USA, Italy might be closer (or even Iran), Korea has a good healthcare system and have had an excellent response, America has a good healthcare system, but the response...
The most important number is the one that affects ourselves, friends and family, it will be a crapshoot of survival for many.