I think a good reason why schools have been mandating students wear masks, is knowing that kids don't do a very good job at social distancing, as they fool around do what they want to do. Some will be obedient, but others won't, and schools don't have the unlimited resources to catch every infraction of disobedience. They made these rules knowing the nature of kids, in that at least a good majority will follow, yielding a net benefit. I think people who complain about them forget to realize that decisions made at the local level is a conservative tenet, instead of a one size fits all solution. Given that Covid spread is not uniform within a state, I think instead local mandates should be the rule, generally speaking. Mandates from the state can include state employees and public universities, among other things. But generally speaking, I prefer local control and mandates, as they are the closest to the people, and more accounting to them.
As for private institutions, gatherings, and private businesses, I favor letting them make their own decision. At this point, I'm not a fan of having heavy handed rules imposed on the private sector, especially with a large majority of our county and state population being vaccinated. I'm okay with governments stepping in if things start to get out of hand, but in places of high vax/low infection, that the private sector should set its own policies regarding employee/customer vaccination requirements. At this point, the market dynamics of consumer and employer/employee choices will dictate the behavior of the private sector. Many businesses are finding out that many employees and customers do not want to work for or patronize companies that do not require a vaccinated workforce. That is why I've noticed many business establishments require their employees be vaccinated on condition of employment, and require customers to wear masks and show proof of vaccination in some cases(a digital health passport would help!). Since many businesses are having a hard time filling positions, employees are in a good position to demand a safe working environment, and many companies have responded in kind. Including the one I work for, as we enacted a vaccine mandate not too long ago(a good thing!).
I do think at least for the next couple of years or so, the Covid-19 booster shot will be the norm as we gradually ease out of this pandemic.
I think a good reason why schools have been mandating students wear masks, is knowing that kids don't do a very good job at social distancing, as they fool around do what they want to do. Some will be obedient, but others won't, and schools don't have the unlimited resources to catch every infraction of disobedience. They made these rules knowing the nature of kids, in that at least a good majority will follow, yielding a net benefit. I think people who complain about them forget to realize that decisions made at the local level is a conservative tenet, instead of a one size fits all solution. Given that Covid spread is not uniform within a state, I think instead local mandates should be the rule, generally speaking. Mandates from the state can include state employees and public universities, among other things. But generally speaking, I prefer local control and mandates, as they are the closest to the people, and more accounting to them.
As for private institutions, gatherings, and private businesses, I favor letting them make their own decision. At this point, I'm not a fan of having heavy handed rules imposed on the private sector, especially with a large majority of our county and state population being vaccinated. I'm okay with governments stepping in if things start to get out of hand, but in places of high vax/low infection, that the private sector should set its own policies regarding employee/customer vaccination requirements. At this point, the market dynamics of consumer and employer/employee choices will dictate the behavior of the private sector. Many businesses are finding out that many employees and customers do not want to work for or patronize companies that do not require a vaccinated workforce. That is why I've noticed many business establishments require their employees be vaccinated on condition of employment, and require customers to wear masks and show proof of vaccination in some cases(a digital health passport would help!). Since many businesses are having a hard time filling positions, employees are in a good position to demand a safe working environment, and many companies have responded in kind. Including the one I work for, as we enacted a vaccine mandate not too long ago(a good thing!).
I do think at least for the next couple of years or so, the Covid-19 booster shot will be the norm as we gradually ease out of this pandemic.