Originally Posted by
Arthurrs
Define "science"....
It's no secret that we are still trying to figure out the "science" of Covid, partly because we don't really want to accept reality of Covid (it's here to stay folks, there are no quick remedies), and partly because of political interference. Extraordinary measures & sacrifices have been taken, and yet here we are 6 months later still struggling to gain control with no end in sight. Unfortunately whatever is politically expedient and good for optics (votes) seems to trump what limited science we do know.
The fact of the matter is that the response to Covid has been as much an attempt at understanding the science, as it is the political appeasement of people who are looking for answers and reassurance with the minimum of effort. Unfortunately the science is still sketchy, we have no answers, and people lack confidence. A lot of blame to go around. What a dumpster fire!
While we are continuously discovering new things and refining knowledge about Covid as well as many other diseases, the important information like the virus structure and properties, symptoms, testing, how it spreads, etc.. is actually quite well understood by now. The problem is that "the science" alone doesn't and can't really say what to do about it and rarely gives a definite yes or no answer to 'can or should we do this?'.
A complete travel ban, allowing travel but with a strict quarantine, testing without quarantine, complete lockdown, partial reopening, beaches open, beaches closed, can all be "valid science", depending on how these policies are implemented and followed as well as local conditions. Opening beaches is valid because there's plenty of space to swim in the ocean alone without anyone around. Closing beaches is valid because we can't stop a 30-person barbecue from gathering. Neither argument is wrong or unscientific, and politicians can cite science to support either side of the debate.