It's really just another data point. Using absolute numbers of deaths, it is hard to differentiate between an epidemic where R0 is moderate (say, 2.5) and the

It's really just another data point. Using absolute numbers of deaths, it is hard to differentiate between an epidemic where R0 is moderate (say, 2.5) and the IFR is fairly high, or another where the R0 is higher (e.g. 6) and the IFR is lower. Both get you a lot of hospital load and an increased number of deaths. Some interesting studies coming out now supporting the iceberg theory. Depending on your perspective, that could be good news.