Not sure its true or not but it would make some sense of all the measures being taken around the world.

2019 coronavirus is 20 times deadlier than the seasonal flu

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2019-coronavirus-is-20-times-deadlier-than-the-seasonal-flu-study

I imagine this translates to in places where there is not good access to (or overwhelmed) medical care and expensive equipment, the death rates will likely be higher.