Several false dichotomies have been used to polarize debates while oversimplifying complex issues.
…We urge a nuanced understanding of the science and caution against black-or-white messaging, all-or-nothing guidance, and one-size-fits-all approaches. There is a need for meaningful public health communication and science-informed policies that recognize shades of gray, uncertainties, local context, and social determinants of health.
…Besides, faulty reasoning and politicization of uncertainty and disagreement in science preclude debating the merits of various positions and refuting the spurious claims. Uncertainties and complexities are part and parcel of science, public health, and several aspects of pathogen transmission, infection, and disease. These aspects lie on a gradient of gray shades—they are hardly binary, simple, or uniform, and should not be framed as black or white.
Overstated and poor-quality science is harmful and misinforms public health response and policy. In light of the challenges surrounding the science-policy interface for COVID-19, we caution against black-or-white messaging, all-or-nothing guidance, and one-size-fits-all approaches.
Subtleties and uncertainties should not be portrayed as enemies but as allies of transparent and accurate messaging, health literacy, critical thinking, and credibility and legitimacy of health authorities.
