Well I guess I am stupid and arrogant then too.
Haven't been to Trafalgar Square and I don't think the Queen is a lizard nor do I think this a Bill Gates plot (maybe just a great marketing and sales opportunity for big pharma) but do think there is a libertarian argument to be had about being made to do that a) are ineffective (mask wearing) b) disproportionate to the actual risk (99.6% survival rate though much for the very elderly with co morbidities).
Before I am accused of wishing to 'let it rip' as Hancock and Johnson put it (a straw man argument if ever there was one since nobody I know has suggested that0, I do still think social distancing and hand washing would be a proportionate reaction to this virus and other upper respiratory ones that are active in Winter.
I don't feel it is arrogant to question the government advice here given the very serious consequences of such advice and i am surprised that more on this site don't do the same given many have been the victim of bad dietary advice that have probably increased their Covid susceptibility had they not found alternative views on forums like this one.
We can agree not to agree about the risks and the measures but I hate ad hominem attacks (Covidiots versus Bedwetters etc.) though have to admit to resorting to this when frustrated at times!
I said "some people."
It can't be argued against though that if it had been possible (it wasn't) to close the country down for say three weeks/one month, no-one in, no-one out, everyone isolating at home, totally and utterly draconian measures then the virus would have been eradicated. Of course that's wasn't possible because you can't close down the NHS, food supplies, all the utilities that we need to survive, but the point is the virus survives because it travels from person to person.
I think the Government have made an absolute hash of it for the record and I fully agree that hand washing and social distancing are massively important and would agree that social distancing is probably the most important factor. I also agree with what you say about other advice that has been incorrect and swayed people incorrectly. However mask wearing is surely proven to protect others. Even if by a small percentage is that not a duty we should all partake in to protect our fellow citizens? I'll fully admit to being extremely peeved when I see someone in a shop not wearing a mask and they don't look like the sort of people who have a reason not too either. This isn't a not wearing a seat belt argument when if you go through the windscreen it's only you that suffers,. By wearing a mask myself I am protecting them after all so why on earth shouldn't they protect me and others?
It's also not just about death rates. We are hearing more and more about long covid and people suffering from dreadful issues since having the virus. I read about someone today who has gone totally deaf since having Covid. Sure serious consequences whichever way you go but is it not a good idea to try every possible way to reduce transmission so restrictions can be eased and lockdowns avoided?