The fact is in the reality that you see before your eyes. Unprecedented pandemic with an unprecedented response.
As to your point about 'one upping' politics;
Only, when there is a openness to debate will there be legitimacy given. In other words no need to keep or score points when there isn't even a game.
Every hour we get updates of what new measures are being put in place (last one I heard was the food and transport industry taking extreme precaution so they can keep the supply lines going - with gov't assistance)
ANY DOWNPLAYING game is one more casualty likely for the victim who listened to it.