City, county, state, federal and individual companies are all doing their best to set policy. Pandemic response primarily should prioritize public health.
But now, jobs and the economy are starting to drive policy. Without decisive and uniform messaging from the top levels of government we have a confused mixture of response and policy.
Confusion is never helpful. Unless your agenda is helped by confusion and misdirection. If the people are your enemy, then just keep them occupied with confusion and debate.
This global pandemic has shocked the world. And it is a golden opportunity to change things for the better.