The COVID-19 pandemic was the most severe global public health emergency in over 100 years. Deadlier than the influenza virus, COVID-19 claimed more than 1.1 million lives in the United States by 2023. Had it not been for the rapid development and deployment of vaccines, many more would have died. To further combat the pandemic, US and international public health agencies enacted unprecedented school closures, lockdowns, and border closures that inflicted collateral damage on children, other vulnerable populations, and the rest of the public. These preventative measures exacerbated substance abuse and mental health problems that persist today. Public health and media organizations suppressed and often censored scientific experts with dissenting opinions and recommendations that might have mitigated much of the collateral damage.

Award-winning Canadian filmmaker Vanessa Dylyn (Matter of Fact Media) produced and directed the documentary COVID Collateral: Where Do We Go for Truth?, which examines the global pandemic response, the suppression of scientific discourse, and lessons for approaching the next pandemic. www​.covid​col​lat​er​al​.com.

Please join us for a film screening in the Cato Institute Hayek Auditorium, followed by a roundtable discussion of the film and its lessons featuring our distinguished panel.

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