That's just it. I am looking at the stats. COVID-19 represents a "grave danger" to a tiny percentage of the population. But most people don't realise this because statistics have been presented almost entirely without context.

There was a fair amount of time where we had no idea what we were up against. An abundance of caution was the only rational response back then. Lockdowns, mask mandates, self-isolation, I was all for it. But we're two years on from that point. The problem is that a) the mechanisms we rely on to provide us with information are determined to sensationalise everything, and b) many of us are struggling to update our model of what's going on from that initial period of huge uncertainty.

And wellbeing isn't a zero-sum game, mainly because there are many ways to define wellbeing. Do you mean people's ability to keep a roof over their and their family's heads? Do you mean the mental health of those who have been isolated for two years (suicide and self-harm rates are way up)? Do you mean the 0.002% risk of death from COVID for under 18 year olds (that's a CDC estimate, their worst case estimate is 0.008%)?

I understand there are absolutely genuine reasons for concern. People who are immune-compromised or who have comorbidities are genuinely vulnerable. They need our help and protection. But people with mental health issues need help and protection too. Children's education and social development are important too. Families need to be able to pay their mortgages. Shutting down the world to this unprecedented degree simply isn't sustainable for those people.