That promition is ridiculous, or at least superbly ironic.

I think though it's an example of how actual health (or quality of life which is a much more robust measure) outcomes are virtually irrelevant to policymakers.

We a just lucky when quality of life happens to coincide with large business interests (all gatherings are banned unless they're in a walmart), bureaucratic ass-covering, or vote buying. In normal times it balances out decently but the equilibrium has been thrown far off here.