Janice M. Barlow zeroes in on the day-to-day impact the virus has had on society, including debates about our response to the pandemic. She argues that some of the sticking points are old issues with new names, while others are new - especially for most of us who have never lived through a pandemic. Historical pandemics are discussed in detail.
 
People who had moderate to severe cases of COVID-19 are personally interviewed. Data from conflicting news reports is dissected. A detailed picture is painted of how mandates were inforced, testing was conducted, and information (and misinformation) was circulated.