Yes Martin, which is why the word
potential is there.
With what we now know about it's highly infectious nature and higher than flu fatality rate, I'd like to think we will respond accordingly and won't get numbers anything like that, as we haven't got the ability to respond like China. They are taking it very seriously, as WHO now is, whilst many of us seem to be questioning everything and playing it down as an over-reaction, which is what Brits do, we are naturally obstinate which has often served us well.
I think that's the wrong perspective, as I'd rather plan for the worst and be wrong, than be faced with a country in total lock down and an overwhelmed health service like Italy.
I don't know what the current population is Geoff, that was from memory and it's low, I just Googled it and it's likely now around 67 as the 2018 figure was 66?
I'll leave it there though as nothing I say will change peoples mind