"To cut through this fog of pandemic, we need to invest in a national infrastructure to coordinate and encourage systematic data collection. Not all data is equal in its power to illuminate, and can even be misleading; inadequate data hinders a clear understanding of how to fight a stealthy enemy. Misinformation, which has caused so much damage, thrives under conditions of confusion & uncertainty, particularly when the relevant authorities lose credibility and aren’t seen as timely. To this end, systematic and extensive data collection is an investment as necessary as ones for vaccines and therapeutics. Randomized trials are not the only source of useful data-- the best way would have been not only to collect extensive data systematically but to conduct random trials. “To scent out the truth randomized trials on efficacy and boosters were needed as soon as vaccinations began!"
At www.nytimes.com
