I don't get very many visitors around here these days. Consequently, I don't post as often, as one is motivated by the other. At any rate, I won't miss posting over the holidays.
Things are different this year due to Covid, and not everyone is on the same page when it comes to masks or no masks, to gather together in person or not. This is not to criticize anyone or group, just questions and answers based on nearly a year's worth of reading, statistics and my own ponderings.
Is it real? Yes.
Is it dangerous? That depends a lot on your age and current health status.
What is my likelihood of contracting Covid? Well, location, lifestyle and close or prolonged interaction with others outside your household increase your chances of catching it.
Could I die? Yes, but the percentage is slim.
You say many people have mild or no symptoms so why should I worry? You could be passing it to susceptible elderly folks or those with compromised health.
Most people recover don't they? Yes, but some people take weeks or months to recover and some have ongoing health issues because of it. Consider, too, the time lost from work and lost income. They have more than Covid to recover from and both could take a long time.
So, the bottom line is that while it is mild and not troublesome for the majority of those who get it, it is a really big deal to others. Hundreds of thousands have died in the U.S and many more are affected, either directly or by virtue of having lost a friend or loved one.
*As of this writing, over 16 million people in the United States alone have tested positive for Covid, and over 300,000 have died. Worldwide, over 1.6 million people have died from Covid.
Is it serious? That is for you to decide for yourself and act accordingly, and wash your hands often.
*https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
There are many sources of covid information. I don't know that any of them are entirely accurate due to discrepancies in testing and reporting, etc.