Remember that time, last summer, when we reported on how social distancing was a pointless unproven byproduct of a teenager’s junk-science project? Basically garbage. MIT researchers now say that neither social distancing nor occupancy limits have any effect.
“What our analysis continues to show is that many spaces that have been shut down in fact don’t need to be. Oftentimes the space is large enough, the ventilation is good enough, the amount of time people spend together is such that those spaces can be safely operated even at full capacity and the scientific support for reduced capacity in those spaces is really not very good.” He added, “I think if you run the numbers, even right now for many types of spaces you’d find that there is not a need for occupancy restrictions.”
They do note that wearing masks factors into their calculus, which we continue to find pointless based on other research we’ve referenced. But if we allow it, this means the maskholes and COVID-Karens had even less reason to flip out in aisle 14 just because I didn’t give a rats-ass which way I shopped.
“You’re going the wrong way; I’m calling you out. You’ve been called out.” That’s great (keeps going…).
All things considered, the biggest threat this coronavirus represents is the political response it spawned and the lack of significant pushback by people who call themselves Americans.
Related: Social Distancing Theory a Product of 14-Year Old’s School Science Project
Wiping out a meaningful segment of the restaurant industry and all the jobs, opportunities, commerce (and even tax revenue) they generate was unnecessary.
The stress created by the pall of fear shortened uncounted lives, ruined families, and will affect public health for years to come.
And while all of that is tragic and unnecessary, it is hardly the worst of it. People in policy-making decisions learned that they could do whatever the hell they want if they preface it with the words “public” and “health.”
They failed the test.
Lacking persistent efforts by the people to curtail those abuses of power, the likelihood of it being abused to excess runs high, with the last year being all the proof we need.
No MIT research paper is required.
