“The justification for one of the most impactful COVID-19 policies, that arguable affected the most Americans in their day-to-day lives, was ‘it sort of just appeared.’ There were no scientific trials or studies conducted before this policy was implemented, there appeared to be no pushback or internal discussion amongst the highest level of leadership, and more importantly there appears to be no acceptance of responsibility. That is an unacceptable answer from public health leadership. Decisions of this magnitude must have scientific backing that can be explained to the American public.”

– from the 520-page report of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, describing the origin of the six-foot “social distancing” requirement the public health authorities imposed on Americans in 2020 amid the COVID panic.