IMHO indeed a lot are. About every 6th story, right now every 4th story, in /newest is virus related in the last couple of days. One aim of hackernews is to be the place to find stories that are outside the usual 24/7 breaking news circle. Two hours ago it was Denmark closing schools with 200 comments https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22550108 before Germany (Merkel) saying 70% of the country could be infected and when Italy news broke an hours ago the quality of the discussion already suffered https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22550623 It's the top story on CNN and BBC news.
I see your point but on the other hand this is not the soccer world cup or some tech event. It could evolve in a once in a lifetime outbreak and the 8th largest economy of the world in essence partialy shutting down is something to discuss with the hn crowd. Perhaps my view on this is a bit skewed as i could drive to italy in two hours.
If no one is intersted these stories arn't upvoted enough to be visible.
