Does your experience in CH correspond to his premise that this was a "manufacutred panic"?
So now I actually have to read the article, rather than just glance through it, in order to provide a meaningful answer. I'll try to do that when I have a chance.
But just based on your question, without actually reading how it is written about in the article, and at the risk of being misunderstood, I will say that almost all panics are "manufactured".
Was there something terrible going on? Yes.
Was there very serious and real reason for concern? Absolutely.
Was the medical system overwhelmed, both by the volume of cases, as well as by their ignorance of how to properly treat them? A strong and resounding yes!
Does any of this justify panic? Not IMHO. Definitely not for someone striving to be a בעל אמונה ובטחון.