We had one of the world's longest lockdowns here in my country, the Phillipines.  Untold suffering from my countrymen who lost their livelihoods.  I have been listening to you since the A.I. podcast. I have gained so much insight and knowledge just by listening to your podcast.  Keep up the good work and as we say here in my country.  SALAMAT! (Thank you!),(reply>), I don't think I necessarily agree with that. Our lockdowns here were comparable to the lockdowns that other countries have. Others have it even worse actually considering the use of police forces to enforce draconian measures such as in Aus. Our policies were done because at the start of the pandemic, no one knew what to do and so we were following what other countries have also done and what the "public health organizations" have suggested. Actually our current policies now are much less stringent than they were early on in the pandemic and less strict than other countries currently have. In Davao City we never had any substantial "lockdowns" except early in the pandemic; now malls have been opened ever since the delta surge as well as other businesses (even gyms) and people were free to do basically whatever they wanted. Only the schools were closed. Granted the face shields and face masks were there but for the most part, we were open. Similar to other cities in Mindanao. We never even had mandatory vaccinations except in some schools unfortunately. The only problem is NCR due to the population density and the lack of infrastructure in healthcare which can't be remedied in a year, sadly. Don't let that fool you into thinking the rest of the country follows suit,(reply>), Agree. We have the worst policies about Covid. Face shields and face masks even if you're out on your own. We need more Filipinos to learn about other ways in getting around Covid without lockdowns. The poor are getting poorer and even increasing more.,(reply>), I'm sorry things are only getting worse there. hold fast and strong. get dirty outta there.