Due to lack of testing there is no way of knowing what the actual mortality rate is for covid-19, up until this week only the sickest patients with a known international travel history to suspect countries and or know exposure to a covid-19 positive patient have been tested. There are many many cases of flu/cold like symptoms which have not sought care or did not meet all the criteria for testing who may well have been positive. Flu kills all ages every year, It appears the covid-1 is more lethal for the elderly, with rapidly increasing mortality rates over the age of 60, and with those who have underlying chronic conditions such as COPD, asthma etc.