While no one infected with the novel coronavirus is at zero risk, the overall fatality rate remains around 1%, according to a study published last week. People aged 80 and over – the group at highest risk – still only have less than a 1 in 10 chance of dying from the virus.
And yet our inescapable negativity bias ensures that even a small risk of a bad outcome has a massively disproportionate impact on our decision-making.
Certainly, the tragic self-inflicted deaths of a married couple in Illinois last week seem to have been motivated by an ungrounded belief that the very worst was imminent.
Officers found Patrick Jesernik, 54, and wife, Cheryl Schriefer, 59, lying dead in separate rooms of their Lockport Township home at around 8 p.m. last Thursday, after relatives raised concerns over the couple’s wellbeing.
A loaded revolver holding three live rounds was found next to Jesernik’s body, The Chicago Sun Times reports. Two spent shell casings were also located nearby.
Family told police that Jesernik was worried he and his wife had been infected with coronavirus. Schriefer had been tested two days previously after developing breathing difficulties, but was still waiting for her results.
Heart-wrenchingly, the couple’s worst fears proved to be unfounded.
An autopsy carried out Friday found that Jesernik and Shriefer both died from a single gunshot to the head. Both also tested negative for coronavirus.
Jesernik’s death has been ruled a suicide and his wife’s a homicide, authorities said.