We didn’t mask and isolate because 0.3% of Americans died. We did it so that only 0.3% of Americans would die.
I’m not sure how the response to the drug epidemic and the infectious respiratory pandemic could be ‘consistent’.
With respect to how the drug epidemic and the pandemic are compared: my point was that a majority of people were compelled to comply in the case of the pandemic for the greater good, so it is not unreasonable to compel a small minority of people to comply for the greater good. In both cases, those who are compelled to comply are theoretically receiving advice and services that are for their own good according to science and common sense.
I also recognize that “homelessness” is a catch-all phrase that is abused, and that roughly half of the homeless are not suffering from mental illness or drug addiction. So the solutions to these problems are distinct.
My only appeal to those reading this is to consider the big picture and to consider solutions that are best for all of society. This is a democratic approach.
Are you equating wearing a small piece of cloth -- something all of us are already legally required to do outdoors -- with jailing and forced treatment of the homeless?
The GP's question was obviously baiting but also follows logically.