> the mortality rate comparable to seasonal flu when everyone was talking about 1-7%.
I don't ever remember anything close to 7% being seriously discussed. But also I don't see how people can say "close to seasonal flu" without being very selective with the data they pick. Bear in mind it's become clear that the CDC's seasonal flu figures where high-balled so you see a lot of of comparisons between an unrealistically high IFR for flu with their own favourite low methodology for COVID.
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
I don't ever remember anything close to 7% being seriously discussed. But also I don't see how people can say "close to seasonal flu" without being very selective with the data they pick. Bear in mind it's become clear that the CDC's seasonal flu figures where high-balled so you see a lot of of comparisons between an unrealistically high IFR for flu with their own favourite low methodology for COVID.