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...and that could be because the PPE worked...
True. Valid point. Could be. I was physically in the hospitals though working during the time. I didn't see the PPE taken to seriously. We created entire floors of isolation rooms. We were on stand by to do stuff. When it was reported that a local hospital was overrun and diverting patients I was taken back. I called the hospital staff and asked if that entire floor is filled and I needed to mobilize. He stated that there is not a single patient in it. Rather there was a bus crash and there ER was over run with patients. Interesting how that was reported.
They were also likely one of the most vaccinated populations, and at least in some cases are probably more proactive about their personal health (although many of my wife's colleagues turn that on its head).
Because of my susceptibility to serious damage or death from it, my doctor...who is of the if it dont kill you its not always a bad thing to catch it mindset...urged me and others around me to get masked and as soon as the vaccine came out...get that too.
That's well-stated. It's unfortunate because, of all the things you listed, the mask was easily the least disruptive to public life, but it was a much easier symbol to rally around than anything else. It's frustrating that we're devolving to throwing food about the mask (again) rather than having an honest good-faith discussion about the long-term damage and loss of public trust that school closures, prohibition of safe outdoor activities, and so many other policies caused.
Public Trust was lost yes sir
