Data show that masks can slow down the spread. Getting our economy back on its feet depends on slowing down the spread. Yet, wearing masks is not mandated, not at the federal level, not decisively. We are swimming in data but blindly. In addition to the likely direct effect on the spread, behavioral change following such a mandate can potentially help regain consumer confidence, increase spending, and boost economy (or not, but an experiment worth pursuing given there is little to lose, if any).
Data centricity requires a shift in mindset, no matter whether it is policy making or business strategy making. Without this shift, decision makers may swim in a pool of charts and tables but can’t see.