There is increasing confusion, and even consternation, over what seem to be disparate policies, recommendations, and mandates emerging in response to the current surge of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in much of the country. Masks or no masks? Vaccine mandates versus voluntary vaccination? Proof of vaccination for admission to bars and clubs?
In fact, this patchwork of policies is not surprising. One size doesn’t fit all. The operative concept can be summarized in a single phrase: minimizing the probability of adverse outcomes. But we as individuals, public health officials, and political leaders have widely differing tolerance for risks. Moreover, the risk-related circumstances vary widely in different states and localities.
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