The fact is we didn’t control community spread over the summer because medical experts and public health officials were silenced by politicians. Measures to control spread weren’t taken as a result. Now we have rampant spread all over the country requiring more stringent measures, hurting our economy in the long run. Meanwhile, countries that listened to experts, took appropriate measures have largely gone back to normal with much lower death rates.

Opening up schools in areas with high rates of community transmission leads inevitably to increased spread and puts vulnerable people at risk. We could have had open schools and sporting events this fall, instead many prioritized reopening bars and indoor dining instead and protecting their “freedom” to not wear a mask.