The chapter discusses the impact of political figures on public attitudes towards mask-wearing during the pandemic, showcasing the divisive nature of the issue based on political allegiance. It highlights the social signaling aspect of mask-wearing and the resulting polarization in human relations. The conversation explores the evolving perspectives on mask efficacy, political influences on mask policies, and the lack of conclusive evidence supporting community masking.
The Covid vaccine saved many lives but so many mistakes were made in how public health officials discussed it, implemented it, and assessed its effectiveness. Epidemiologist Vinay Prasad of the University of California, San Francisco talks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about what went wrong, the costs of the mistakes that were made, and what we can do better the next time.