There is already evidence that there will be long term effects ---
https://www.healthline.com/health-n...covid-19#COVID-19-might-affect-the-brain-stem
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coronavirus-long-term-effects-on-the-body_l_5e9a0017c5b6ea335d5b3cf3
Even Fox News has published articles cautiously warning of long term effects:
https://www.foxnews.com/media/dr-mi...s-lasting-damage-ventilators-lung-scar-tissue
That wasn't an attempt to project that as your belief, but the initial statement still does make an interesting point for the question. What would the crisis look like if we as a country had better safety nets in place? That doesn't mean create a permanent dependent class, but if we had something as simple as paid sick time requirements so that sick people would stay home, would that help. If we had systems in place designed to assure food and nutrition in the case of a crisis would that ease the burden on folks. If there were programs to prevent repos and foreclosures in cases like this, how much would it help folks?
Interestingly the first major attempt to plan for it was the Bush administration, so it's not even like it's a partisan thing. My prediction is that this will not be the last pandemic we see. The risk has always been present, and it will continue to be more and more of a danger as world population increases.
I never denied that there could be long term effects, I was stating that the large majority of people do not suffer those effects. As I said, most people suffer flu like symptoms as the virus runs its course, and then they get better, just like influenza.
And, what would the country be like if all those programs were in place? People would be paying out the arse in taxes just like other countries. Why do you think we get people who immigrate from the UK, Switzerland, etc? They are tired of paying those high taxes. All those services are not free, someone has to pay for it. I would rather take my hard earned money, sock back some, then use it for myself when the need comes. Sorry, but I'm a bit selfish that way. And I'm well sick and tired of people telling me I need to think about other people. Why? Can't they think for themselves? Are they not able to make the cognitive decision "Hey, I have asthma, maybe I should take precautions and either not go outside or wear gloves (properly) and a mask"? Why must I, and many others, suffer to ease the burden of them? That may sound heartless, but guess what, thats life. I should not be held responsible for someone else's decisions.