A recent metastudy conducted by scientists at Johns Hopkins University has found that hard lockdowns and restrictions on movement during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic did not prevent many deaths. However, the study found that mask-wearing and the closure of restaurants and bars did save lives. The researchers analyzed over 18,000 studies on the impact of the pandemic, focusing on those that examined excess mortality. The analysis found that lockdowns and local restrictions in Europe and the US had little to no effect on the number of Covid-19 deaths. On average, mortality rates decreased by only 0.2% due to these measures.

The study found no evidence that lockdowns, school closures, border closures, or restrictions on gatherings had a significant impact on Covid-19 mortality rates. Contact restrictions and school closures had only a minor effect on mortality rates. The researchers found that closed borders had no effect on mortality rates. However, the study found that masks in shops and public places reduced the number of deaths by about 24%, while the closure of restaurants, bars, and clubs reduced mortality rates by 15%. The authors of the study concluded that lockdown measures were unnecessary and should be abolished as a pandemic policy tool.

The researchers also noted that lockdowns had negative effects on the economy, increased unemployment, reduced educational opportunities, contributed to political unrest, and led to domestic violence. The study’s findings suggest that mask-wearing and the closure of high-risk venues such as restaurants and bars are more effective measures for reducing Covid-19 mortality rates. The study’s authors recommend that policymakers focus on these measures rather than implementing lockdowns.

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