There is a lot more leadership across government (federal, state, local), private industry, and independent individuals could be doing to proactively reduce transference and even stomp out significant portions of infection is followed through. My point is that our cultural trends surrounding all of these (governments, work, personal action) are almost all running counter to what we need to be doing.

We need strong government leadership at all levels pushing support out where possible, be it resources, accurate non-politically influenced/dictated information, etc. Businesses can be more proactively supporting work from home more where feasible, extend sick leave or create sick leave options to reduce pressures to work, provide some security/continued employment for those who need it (especially demographics at high risk). People can avoid attending work when sick, reduce/limit public exposure (be it out shopping, attending an event, etc.), practice frequent hand washing, limit exposing themselves to at risk populations, etc.

Economically it's a disaster (as the markets are also anticipating) but it's going to be one way or another. It seems to me that you're better off to take a well calculated hit that can bounce back to a healthy workforce that doesn't strain existing healthcare infrastructure than trying to pretend nothing is going on, minimal fallout will occur, and play-it-by ear.