I think that, as with all things, assuming there is one single unifying goal of "the authorities" is missing the mark.
Oh I know that all too well. And that's the answer then, there is no One Unified goal to handling this virus.
And to me, it has to do with the idea that Human Beings are our own individual with a unique mindset. The idea that Human Beings are a conscious spirit that becomes the identity of the design that is presented on this Earth.
NO OTHER has control over that besides YOU. In the end, whatever one believes lies only with YOU and the other higher belief. Just because YOU don't believe or think certain thoughts DOES NOT mean the other DOESN'T.
That is the issue with doing what is supposedly right, and doing what is supposedly wrong. The issue is that Two people can think and believe two totally opposing things.
For me, it's like we're being pulled to go either this or that way with a disregard that there is a middle path we can use, even if it is weedy and full of snakes lurking in the tall grass.