Transplanting a Seattleite

I think the hygiene theater did help somewhat with influenza and other bugs, but of course not nearly enough to offset the diverting of resources from measures that could have been more effective against COVID-19. I just found this article, which I don't think I saw at the time: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/01/12/covid-shutdowns-viruses/

"Veteran virus trackers say they are chronicling something never before seen — the suppression of virtually every common respiratory and gastrointestinal virus besides the novel coronavirus. They theorize that is largely due to global shutdowns, mask-wearing and a host of other health protocols aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus.

"These other viruses — including influenza A, influenza B, parainfluenza, norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus — all appear to be circulating at or near levels lower than ever previously measured. The same is true for the respiratory bacteria that cause pertussis, better known as whooping cough, and pneumonia."

But it also suggests we could see a big rebound of these viruses if we don't take care.