> one run and one meal is not gonna make or break someones weight
On the contrary, we have had two years of this pandemic. Government messaging could have been a lot stronger on the benefits of exercise. That's 2 years for people to become healthier.
And "one vaccine" has turned into one vaccine plus boosters. Everyone is going to get Covid at some point. General fitness will remain one of the best long term ways of combating the virus.
The Parkrun is a weekly occurrence, and is popular even for those who do not have an interest in exercise as a hobby, as it is informal. As such, it acts as an important gateway to a healthier lifestyle.
I'm by no means alone in seeing banning it as counterproductive, and not "following the science".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59816344
If the government wants to serverely curtail individual liberties, then I expect good reasons for doing so. It's not good to encourage blind adherance to illogical policies.
That's why I think vaccination schemes that offered free food were undermining the "following the science" bit.
As was the banning of the popular "Parkrun" in the UK, which is a collective outdoor exercise event, during the lockdown.
So many policies have undermined the "follow the science" bit in my mind.