I see your point. In answer to your question, yes there are many businesses in the tri community that are not or have not followed the guidelines. Several restaurants are open for indoor dining without distancing, the UPS store staff in Phelan never wore or required masks, and many people refuse to wear them for various reasons. I see it every time I go to Staters.
Respectfully, if you travelled to multiple states for the holidays then that's exactly what I'm talking about. With asymptomatic people spreading this virus, how do you know you aren't part of the problem?
This virus is relatively new with so much we don't know yet. And as I mentioned before, it's not just about deaths. I'm in my 60's and don't want to risk it with limited hospital beds and the potential for recurring illness.
My brother lives in Virginia and doesn't wear a mask or distance while at church. He tells me to take lots of vitamin D because it might help and it won't hurt. That's exactly how I feel about the guidelines for masks and distancing... It might help and it won't hurt, so why not?
Regarding opening or closing schools and businesses, I don't have those answers. Like you said, we don't know what might have happened right? You mention a couple of regions and their stats, but I would have to research that myself to get a good feel for if I agree with you or not.
Curious, do you think everyone (residents and businesses alike) have been following all the guidelines, or are you saying there shouldn't be guidelines? What would you do? Honest question.