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When we discuss pandemic-related issues, remove partisan blinders and examine the evidence as is. Most of the time, the conclusion will be tentative. That's ok. We're still learning about this virus. Don't support or oppose an idea just because Trump or whoever says something.
This is true for debates over mask ordinances, certain therapeutics, herd immunity threshold (including T-cell cross immunity), school reopening policies, and general distancing guidelines. The evidence is unclear on these issues, but resist looking for partisan cues.
Also, some apolitical experts got Issue A wrong but might be right about Issue B (and vice versa). So here are my own views on some of these issues: mask ordinances are good bc they protect others from you; school reopenings can be done if officials are vigilant and careful.
Herd immunity threshold is real (though nobody knows how long immunities last) and the threshold is much lower than originally thought. Probably around 25%. BUT, that just means r(t) drops below 1, not that cases go to zero. AND, the threshold depends on behavior too.
Also, herd immunity is local - a community may hit it but nearby counties have not. On therapeutics, there are no magic bullets. On T-cell cross immunity, it's real but unknown who has it or how prevalent in every community. So depending on it to save us is foolish.
As for public gatherings: outside is always best and usually safe bc the virus dissipates quickly. Very close one-on-one contact can transmit outdoors, but mass spreading is very unlikely outdoors. Cavernous indoor spaces (e.g. big box stores) are better than smaller spaces.
Bars/restaurants should be required to operate outdoors if they want to stay open. Change city liquor ordinances if need be to allow alcohol consumption outside. Same with gyms/exercise: outside is better than cavernous space, which is better than regular indoors.
Nothing wlll approach normal until a vaccine is mass-produced. That won't be until well into 2021 - which really isn't THAT far into the future. Because it is foreseeable in less than a year, social distancing/mitigation is far better than just letting the virus spread.
Finally, be skeptical of all-or-nothing approaches or responses. The immune system is complex. Human behavior is complex. That doesn't mean we're powerless. It just means we have to endure more pain and uncertainty. So be kind to friends and neighbors in different situations.
