[BostonCard]

Given the range of possibilities we have evidence to show could be facing society, with some of them being really, really catastrophic, it’s foolish to be making decisions without more known about the disease itself, and its implications for humanity.

OF, the obvious problem with waiting until more is known to make a decision IS a decision. We made the decision to "shelter in place" on information that was not perfect. I am pretty sure most all of us think that was a reasonable action. However, it is I think pretty clear that we can't wait two years gathering information in this present state (although you may feel otherwise).
Society often has to make decisions in the presence of great uncertainty. Sometimes there are no risk-free alternatives available. OTOH, many of the decisions humanity has made in the past based on what at the time was regarded as adequate information have had serious unanticipated negative consequences. In the case of COVID-19, I am certain that our nation, and almost all other nations of the world, will be making decisions in the next few months based on much less certainty than they prefer. Deciding to wait in the status quo is such a decision.

I agree wholeheartedly.  This is a very high stakes decision, both in terms of the health consequences and the economic ones.

BC

[BostonCard]

Given the range of possibilities we have evidence to show could be facing society, with some of them being really, really catastrophic, it’s foolish to be making decisions without more known about the disease itself, and its implications for humanity.

OF, the obvious problem with waiting until more is known to make a decision IS a decision. We made the decision to "shelter in place" on information that was not perfect. I am pretty sure most all of us think that was a reasonable action. However, it is I think pretty clear that we can't wait two years gathering information in this present state (although you may feel otherwise).
Society often has to make decisions in the presence of great uncertainty. Sometimes there are no risk-free alternatives available. OTOH, many of the decisions humanity has made in the past based on what at the time was regarded as adequate information have had serious unanticipated negative consequences. In the case of COVID-19, I am certain that our nation, and almost all other nations of the world, will be making decisions in the next few months based on much less certainty than they prefer. Deciding to wait in the status quo is such a decision.

I agree wholeheartedly.  This is a very high stakes decision, both in terms of the health consequences and the economic ones.

BC