Unexpectedly similar

While chatting with a high school chum, I asked him about the outbreak in his neck of the woods. He lives in an East Coast city which has received national news coverage for its COVID-19 infection and response. I was surprised by the comments he made throughout the conversation:

"There have been a lot of deaths and hospitalizations but compared to the population still very low... So among people I know I haven't heard of anyone even getting sick."

"To me there is no real visible crisis at all- just feels more deserted around town."

"And everyone wearing masks."

"... it is a big deal for those...