You're implying that we've been fed sensationalized reporting by individuals who are exempted from quarantine restrictions based on their 'media credentials'?! Surely, you jest.
Death rate. The flu far more but it has a death rather of just 0.1% whereas COVID-19 is briefed to have a death rate of 1.4%, according to the CDC. In addition, people may be asymptomatic for up to 12 days but still contagious.
If it weren't for the quarantine, total deaths would be significantly higher due to an increased strain on medical resources. Namely: supplies, personnel, hospitals.
Please, let's not compare COVID-19 to the flu. They're different viruses and while they share some symptoms in common, they are fundamentally different.