https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200331/covid-19-death-rate-drops-still-deadly-to-seniors https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200331/covid-19-death-rate... Lite

https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200331/covid-19-death-rate-drops-still-deadly-to-seniors https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200331/covid-19-death-rate... Literally one of the first links for "covid fatality rate", one from March 31st. They mention 3.5% average estimate from CDC/WHO with 4.8% for highest risk groups. I can't be bothered to find links to original reports and statements though. Can't really comment about the second part, as I'm not an expert, but while fractions of a percent surely are important from the organizational point of view (e.g. estimating loads in hospitals and such), I believe that in a broader context the phrase "close to seasonal flu" was used to help people relax and stop PANIC!11