Worse, the study further found that the shutdowns did have “devastating effects” on the economy, families and students. Specifically, the report found the lockdowns “have contributed to reducing economic activity, raising unemployment, reducing schooling, causing political unrest, contributing to domestic violence, and undermining liberal democracy.”
The study goes on to conclude that the timing of lockdowns, and unintended consequences, likely played a larger role than expected in affecting mortality. “Lockdowns have limited peoples’ access to safe (outdoor) places such as beaches, parks, and zoos, or included outdoor mask mandates or strict outdoor gathering restrictions, pushing people to meet at less safe (indoor) places,” the study found. “Indeed, we do find some evidence that limiting gatherings was counterproductive and increased COVID-19 mortality.”