Mostly correct, BUT: Who knew this would go on in waves for two years?  Even Twump said it would be over by Easter.  Fauci had to thread his way through that chaos from the top.  (BTW, Fauci was not the Prez, iirc).  The early deaths were so frightening worldwide, and the viral lethality was uncertain, even the mode of transmission and means of protection were largely uncertain throughout 2020, and tribes formed to dispute even that information. And bureaucracies do move slow once knowledge is available.  Sad.<br>The panicked impulse to shut down happened worldwide, and the GBD was unlikely to reach those officials and allay their panic.  Yes, children in poverty went hungry, and some of us sent money to help out -- a drop in the bucket -- but sending them to school those early months went against many parents' protective instincts.  It should have been voluntary, but -- teachers?  Staff?  Would they have shown up?  Again, two months vs two years?  Long term consequences should now be known much better.<br>Individuals of mature age took self-protective measures beyond the public restrictions.<br>Many, many US Americans got around $30k of extended unemployment that year.  Many still worked their side gigs.  We may see the economic consequences oncoming, but there was some protection at the time.  Employers scooped up billions and billions.<br>I had travel plans for May 2020, and again and again had to cancel.  "Hindsight is 20-20" but hopefully now there will be future pandemic planning that covers a two-year horizon.<br>Excellent discussion, and to see the human side of you both was a pleasure.