A recent report published by the non-profit Committee to Unleash Prosperity (CTUP) has sharply criticized the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, labeling lockdowns, school closures, and vaccine mandates as 'catastrophic errors.' The report highlights that these measures led to a loss of faith among many Americans in public health institutions.
The paper, titled 'COVID Lessons Learned A Retrospective After Four Years,' offers ten key lessons to prevent the repetition of similar mistakes. It suggests halting binding agreements with the World Health Organization, implementing term limits for senior health agency positions, and restricting the powers of health agencies to advisory roles without the authority to set laws or mandates.
The authors of the report, including health policy experts and economists, argue that the unprecedented powers granted to public health agencies during the pandemic resulted in minimal benefits while instilling fear in the public. They criticize the decision to prioritize fear-mongering over maintaining normal social functioning within communities.
The report questions the effectiveness of lockdowns in reducing deaths or viral circulation, citing data that shows negative impacts on public health due to canceled medical procedures and increased fear among the population. It also highlights the detrimental effects of school closures on children, including learning loss, social isolation, and mental health issues.
Furthermore, the report challenges the efficacy of mask mandates, suggesting that masks may have amplified fear and caused division among citizens. It criticizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for advising mask-wearing despite limited evidence supporting its effectiveness.
In terms of economic repercussions, the report notes that over 49 million Americans lost their jobs due to lockdown measures, leading to prolonged economic underperformance. It also criticizes the media, Big Tech, and public health authorities for stifling debate and promoting a singular narrative.
While acknowledging the success of Project Warp Speed in developing treatments and vaccines, the report raises concerns about safety assessments and the ethical implications of mandates and pressure campaigns. It calls for legislative measures to define public health emergencies and limit executive powers during crises.
In conclusion, the report emphasizes the importance of maintaining checks and balances during crises and avoiding the outsourcing of decision-making to a select group of experts. It calls for a more transparent and balanced approach to managing public health emergencies in the future.
