I don't understand why this conspiratorial belief has persisted. The restrictions ended. They happened worldwide. They were clearly for the safety of the public and the functioning of the health system during a novel virus epidemic.

Why'd you leave out the "to prevent millions of deaths" part?

Except that was actually the policy all around the world and not unique to the US administration at the time. So not sure what your point is, time to move on...

What is the purpose of this comment? Genuinely trying to understand.