Some of the problems with our response is actually based on the opposite issue, our first response impulses were to treat it like a novel flu strain. So we re-r

Some of the problems with our response is actually based on the opposite issue, our first response impulses were to treat it like a novel flu strain. So we re-ran the H1N1 playbook. The flu was believed to be mostly spread by droplets/surface contact and not airborne, so they assumed covid was too. The issues you are describing is more the problem that health officials shift the burden of proof depending which assumptions or policies they want to make. Any facts that counter their policies have to be proven by significant evidence. And they often wouldn't look too hard. A fact that supports their conclusion can be assumed until proven otherwise.