Public health theatre

All the deep cleaning is really starting to get on my nerves, because we know that “COVID-19 rarely spreads through surfaces. So why are we still deep cleaning?” (Nature.com).

Answer: “Public health theatre”! Exactly like security theatre: the persistent vigilance against implausible repeat threats like shoe bombs.

Once institutions have been taught to do anything for the sake of public health and safety, it has huge momentum and getting them to stop is just about impossible. Hint: Think of the lawsuits!