It isn't scientific. If it were, then history would have other examples as such. This is a NEW thing. It is a social manipulation based in fear. And believe me, if they can scare you into compliance, be assured, there is more of that to come.
Exactly it. They want to portray fear. Even the president is doing it and people are cheering. By announcing he is taking the drug he is saying we can be safer by taking a drug even though we don't need it.