[winflop]

I categorically refuse to comply with orders that lack a scientific basis. There is no contact tracing data to support these orders.

OMG. I can't believe I just read that. You really need to watch this:

[tweet]https://twitter.com/BrooksKTVU/status/1334970818913189888[/tweet]

I'll watch it. Please understand I'm not questioning the severity of the situation. What I'm questioning is the empirical evidence that the additional restrictions they are placing on people and businesses will materially impact the spread of COVID. For example, the CDC has published what it believes are more and less risky activities. Outdoor dining was listed as one of the lowest-risk activities and yet LA county shut it down anyway. Why are big box stores allowed to remain open (with capacity restrictions) but their small store direct competitors forced to close entirely? Where is the contact tracing evidence that COVID is spreading through contact sports? I could go on.

I am all for restrictions that have a basis in empirical evidence. That evidence may exist, but what I've seen to date from health officers at the state and local level is no presentation of that data. The arguments are theoretical and show no consideration for the negative consequences of those decisions. That was acceptable in the spring when we didn't have any experience with COVID. 6+ months later it is no longer acceptable to base decisions on theory. Get the data and make data-driven decisions that factor in the negative consequences of the decisions along with the purported benefits.

OK I watched. My perspective is not only unchanged it is reinforced. There was no presentation of any empirical evidence that shows that the actions being taken will effectively target the greatest sources of COVID spread. There was not even a mention of the negative consequences of these restrictions or the impact on our health system of rising rates of suicide, addiction, child abuse, etc. I'm not saying those are a greater danger than further COVID spread. All I'm saying is that these consequences should be acknowledged and that the decisions are being made in consideration of those counter-effects.

[winflop]

I categorically refuse to comply with orders that lack a scientific basis. There is no contact tracing data to support these orders.

OMG. I can't believe I just read that. You really need to watch this:

[tweet]https://twitter.com/BrooksKTVU/status/1334970818913189888[/tweet]

I'll watch it. Please understand I'm not questioning the severity of the situation. What I'm questioning is the empirical evidence that the additional restrictions they are placing on people and businesses will materially impact the spread of COVID. For example, the CDC has published what it believes are more and less risky activities. Outdoor dining was listed as one of the lowest-risk activities and yet LA county shut it down anyway. Why are big box stores allowed to remain open (with capacity restrictions) but their small store direct competitors forced to close entirely? Where is the contact tracing evidence that COVID is spreading through contact sports? I could go on.

I am all for restrictions that have a basis in empirical evidence. That evidence may exist, but what I've seen to date from health officers at the state and local level is no presentation of that data. The arguments are theoretical and show no consideration for the negative consequences of those decisions. That was acceptable in the spring when we didn't have any experience with COVID. 6+ months later it is no longer acceptable to base decisions on theory. Get the data and make data-driven decisions that factor in the negative consequences of the decisions along with the purported benefits.

OK I watched. My perspective is not only unchanged it is reinforced. There was no presentation of any empirical evidence that shows that the actions being taken will effectively target the greatest sources of COVID spread. There was not even a mention of the negative consequences of these restrictions or the impact on our health system of rising rates of suicide, addiction, child abuse, etc. I'm not saying those are a greater danger than further COVID spread. All I'm saying is that these consequences should be acknowledged and that the decisions are being made in consideration of those counter-effects.