The rapid review identified 11 observational studies,6-16 eight of which were conducted in China,8-10, 12-16 along with single studies from Italy,11 the United Kingdom,7 and the United States.6 Nearly all studies included only patients with lab-confirmed COVID-19. No studies were found that were designed to directly assess whether ACE inhibitors or ARBs increase the risk of acquiring COVID-19.

WHO

What they are saying is there hasn't been any conclusive study on this

Isn't that ace the marker to whether you get it or not and how bad it's gonna get?

Still doesn't address the fact that it is a cold virus, and far less deadly than they wanted us to believe.

As for this, the numbers in African countries have not been totally accounted for. Young people are less at risk to the virus. But the older population and those with illness are at risk. So judging from the death rate and numbers unaccounted for I wouldn't say they are over exaggerating.

What makes this virus different, and why should I take any more precautions for it than I did in the past?

Because unlike other flu viruses, this one has no vaccine and it has a potential spread and kills those who are vulnerable