Evidence, individual rights, and the common good

It’s been quite a week here in COVID-land.

Remember all the talk in the spring about a “second wave”? Well, here we are: Around the globe and across much of the U.S., reported cases of the coronavirus are spiking. So are associated hospitalizations and deaths, though not at the same rate as earlier in the year.

Governor Steve Bullock has responded to Montana’s increase by ratcheting up restrictions. He ordered restaurants and bars to operate at no more than 50% of capacity and to close nightly at 10 p.m., starting November 20; and limited public gatherings to 25 people, down from a previous maximum of 50, where social distancing isn’t possible.