Or at least, some people would like to believe that. I suspect an astonishing large number of them will discover differently, should those ideals be put to the test. Just a hunch.

Much of the herd will comply. Many others will make their stand, especially with the current state of sentiment In the right wing population.

There's a large population of Americans that have conservative views, and vigorously fight against perceived encroachment on their liberties. However, these people are not stupid, despite how they're painted in the media.

I suspect if we called up a militia leader from the back woods of Michigan or Kentucky, even they would consent to very temporary quarantines. Even if it meant US army troops patrolling their residential areas.

In fact, I suspect more conservative people would even be more in favor of stricter lockdowns, on average. While progressives are now following the advice of the medical establishment, the initial instinct is to not do things that "sound conservative" like shutting down borders and so on.

(Similarly, while many conservatives would agree with the idea of quarantines, they would remain very cautious of any unnecessary restrictions on their liberties, watchful of the government taking advantage of the situation to pass laws the conservatives oppose. If for example, the military patrols said they wanted to knock on every door and collect all the guns, their support would rapidly reverse itself.)

No offense meant to either side. I don't strongly identify with either of these labels. Just my honest opinion based on my personal observations.

(Also, I'm aware that particular conservatives and particular liberals may have expressed opposite views to those above, but I'm talking about my perception of the group average, not particular high profile examples. Also, particular individuals may take unusual stances due to personal business or financial interests.)

After driving around our area today, in the Seattle metro, it seemed like activity (cars in the parking lot, people on the street, etc) was off 25-30% from a usual Saturday with nice weather in March.

I feel like a lockdown / closure order for the Seattle metro counties will be coming within a week or so.

Are you making a parallel between isolate yourself to not catch and spread a disease with "isolationism and xenophobia"?

I sure hope you (and people in general) can separate the 2 concepts or we're really doomed.

Agreed. Responding to these situations is in part a collective test of practical intelligence -- or of collective intelligence if you will. Part of practical intelligence is to be capable of precise language (and separating concepts, as you say).