[saulpw]

> People either had it or didn't. The decision making process was straightforward.

No it wasn't, not at all!

You (and most people) put an awful lot of trust in medical tests, which are frequently wrong (in both directions).

In the case of COVID, there was (and still is, in some circles) the notion of 'exposure'--if you had dinner with someone who then tested positive the next day, should you cancel the NYE party you're hosting in 3 days? Even if you test negative the day of the party, it's a minefield. How much do you tell your guests, and when? Knowing that the party attendance will be halved if you say anything at all.