I never took “stay at home” literally … the evidence of outdoor spread, especially with masks, not being a serious concern was pretty convincing even in Spring.
I can’t say that I felt unsafe walking outside, going hiking, going to parks, going to the beach, and so forth. I did isolate (no indoor contact with other households) for two weeks before visiting older family members. Are people taking this literally in California to the point that they don’t leave home for a week or more?
Also, I feel like the messaging and memes were almost calculated to generate opposition and rage. “Shelter in place!” “Stay the fuck at home!” I understand the science, and the messaging still pissed me off on a visceral level.
Had it been explained early on to people that small groups, masked, outdoors are relatively safe, maybe COVID wouldn’t have become such a politically polarized issue.
