" A one-size-fits-all approach to risk, and top-down encouragement to take as few risks as possible, may have been reasonable in 2020, before we properly understood how the coronavirus was transmitted and before we had vaccines. "
- Mary Katharine Ham

In times of crisis, such as the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, it was prudent to adopt a cautious approach to risk management. This meant that decision-makers were urged to minimize risks wherever possible due to the uncertainties surrounding how the virus spread and before vaccines were available. Such an approach aimed at protecting public health by limiting exposure and preventing the rapid spread of the disease.

However, this quote also suggests that as our understanding of a situation evolves, so too should our strategies for dealing with it. As time passed and more information about the coronavirus became available, along with the development of vaccines, the initial cautious stance might have become less effective or necessary. This implies that adaptable risk management is crucial in dynamic environments, allowing for adjustments based on new knowledge and changing circumstances. The quote encourages decision-makers to reassess their strategies as conditions improve or worsen, rather than sticking rigidly to outdated protocols.

Mary Katharine Ham is an American journalist known for her commentary on politics and culture. She has been a contributing editor at various publications, including Townhall Magazine and the Washington Examiner, where she writes about current events from an insightful perspective. Her observations often highlight the complexities of public policy decisions during crises like the coronavirus pandemic.