The problem with this article is that it takes at face value the stated goals of the pandemic response: to slow the spread of coronavirus. And while that is a goal, it is not the top goal. If it could be, it probably would be.<p>The main goal is to soothe the public. People aren't told to wipe surfaces because it reduces the spread, people are told to wipe surfaces because this is all people can do. People are told to wear surgical masks, which say on the side of the box that they do not protect against viruses, because it is something they can do. People don't like to feel powerless. People cannot disinfect the air. But they can wipe surfaces and cover their faces with a piece of cloth, and keep busy with something to feel like they're doing something to protect themselves and others.<p>Public messaging exist to manage people, nothing more.