Californians Advised to Think for Themselves, Weigh Risks Before Following Orders

At a San Francisco event, an author and a cardiologist discuss what they saw as government overreach during the pandemic.

Protesters call for an end to lockdowns at California's Capitol, in Sacramento, on April 20, 2020. Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

With California still reeling from the aftermath of policies instituted in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some doctors and experts are advising the population to sharpen their critical thinking skills in case similar situations arise in the future.

If a future health scare prompts authorities to impose lockdowns or issue orders restricting business and educational opportunities, people should research independent sources and weigh all available information before blindly following official orders, some are suggesting.