The 'non-essential' guidance is also being relaxed in all locations I've seen reporting on. Most are encouraging distanced socialising and return to work.

The non-essential guidance has little bearing on whether or not someone should engage in non-essential visits, as policymakers do not schedule the virus.

It also seems to have little bearing on how essential an activity is, and it hastens the ongoing consolidation of our economy into a small number of enormous companies.

Personal anecdote: I need a biopsy from a specialist surgeon who does not treat respiratory diseases and does not reside in a hospital.

Sorry. That's non-essential. I haven't been able to get it done, and it's been months. I'm also on COBRA, so...clock's ticking.

But if I want to buy a paperback? Well I can't visit my favorite local bookstore which is usually quite empty (non-essential), but I can go to a packed Walmart or order it off Amazon.

The virus alone also doesn’t schedule human behavior. I’m not sure exactly what you are implying.

If that is the case, why were non-essential businesses shut down and shelter in place orders enacted all over the world?

I was simply trying to point out the other side of what I felt was an overly rigid line of thinking from the GP.

The shutdowns were a tactic taken with limited information and imperfect effectiveness. I don’t think it was the wrong thing to do. However, we could have and should have had a more effective, sophisticated, and timely response across the board.

I don't know what you mean about 'scheduling the virus', sorry. Generally people are probably best off listening to official advice, not making their own assumptions.

> I don’t know what you mean about ‘scheduling the virus’

They’re saying just because non-essential restrictions have been relaxed doesn’t mean you should partake in non-essential activities.

I agree with them, but not everyone will.