For the last 2 years there has been a lot of guidance follows science. Scientists have told us to get vaccinated and that herd immunity was achievable should we all get vaxed. Science warned about variants, we got them and were relatively well prepared to deal with them. Scientists suggested strategies to limit transmission when the public failed to follow instructions, which worked. When politics intersected with science the water got a little muddier.
Was it politicians or scientists that said Big Box, Liquor and Beer stores were more responsible than small stores at managing social distancing and capacity limits? Politicians or scientists that determined lockdowns, store & restaurant closures, & online learning were OK for school kids, but not OK for universities?
I got to thinking about all the science in motion, not just the virologist's view. What about social, mental health, and economic scientists?
At the current vaccination rates, 90%, are covered, the remaining 10% are at risk to themselves and are at similar risk as unvaccinated for spreading COVID. Where are scientists on this? Are medical scientists and politicians engaging with economists? Are scientists looking at and accurately advising on the risk that the outliers really propose?
Science has focussed on vaccine mandates, and I think they got that right -- people didn't play by the rules so things had to get heavy-handed, necessary as well. But I think science may no longer be able to justify restrictions. I fear scientists may not be looking at the whole situation and recommending better societal solutions as the facts change. As a result we have a lot of unhappy campers making noise and blocking bridges. These are not just the rebellious anti-vaxers, it appears support is growing as the general population tires of COVID restrictions.
Scientists, what do you say?
