The ICUs are empty. The pandemic is over and has been for a long time. The lockdowns didn't help either. Isolating vulnerable populations was the solution. I hate having to say that Sweden is the best model.

Masks don't do anything unless you adhere to the associated cleansing rituals, especially the cloth ones. Protection is only working if it's uncomfortable and inconvenient. At worst, people are spreading disease by constantly touching the filthy dank bacteria factory on their face.

masks are a benign way of at least slightly reducing transmission

In order for masks to be even a little effective, the first 6 parts of a comprehensive system for prevention must be strictly adhered to. Masks are worthless when used alone. The order of effectiveness (#1 being most effective) for slowing the spread measures are:

1. Staying home

2. 6ft distance

3. Washing hands

4. Not touching face

5. Using hand sanitizer

6. Wiping down surfaces

7. And lastly, wearing a mask

If we wanted to save the elderly, we should have focused all of our efforts on nursing homes and everyone over age 65. But that's not what's going on, is it? The main purpose for mask orders in the general population has nothing to do with protecting the public.