, Columnist
Following the Science Isn’t Curing Covid Confusion
Mixed messages about the delta variant show (again) that experts can measure risk, but can’t tell people how much danger to accept.
Belt and suspenders?
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The delta variant is the new pandemic scare story. Its spread into the U.S. hasn’t led to a surge in deaths or packed hospital wards, but the news of its existence rained on the Fourth of July parades.
Public health specialists have responded with a baffling spray of contradictory recommendations, conflicting information and seemingly inconsistent scientific facts. The result, as in earlier phases of the Covid-19 scourge, has been needless confusion and rage. Should vaccinated people wear masks? It depends whom you ask. Can economic life return to normal? Expert opinions vary.