The CV19 mitigation protocols (masks, occupancy limits, social distancing, etc.) were imposed to give the illusion that individuals had some element of control over the virus, they could do something. Similarly, these protocols ensured politicians could also give the illusion that they were doing something to stop the virus. And, these protocols were enacted to stem any panic until the vaccines became available.
German socialists required yellow stars in the 1930s... like political mask mandates on healthy people with no symptoms today.