Without any hostility nor any mockery, I want to say, this thread is vain, when one has to post within the narrow spaces left by Chess.com's ToS censorship, plus the OP's censorship.
The pandemic and all what is done everywhere about it, and the consequences, do cover all sorts of areas of life, such as health, politics, economy, various beliefs, hygiene, security, freedom, etc.
If we can only talk about the impact of the Covid-19 on little side things, such as hobbies and what, frankly, I don't see the point of it. We are then not at all talking about that pandemic and it's consequences, but do mere blah blah blah.
I seize the occasion here, to tell, that while I agree with the principle of moderation, especially against verbal abuses and unfair discriminations (racism, sexism, etc), Chess.com simply forbids us to talk about the pandemic and all the consequences on our lives.
Maybe Chess.com could open a special thread, where, exceptionally, some politics and such, would be allowed, under active monitoring of mods preventing and treating what could go "too far".
Now, I do realize, some will claim, a Chess website forum is probably not meant to have talks about things such as pandemics. I do disagree with that. In these new times "never seen before", rules should be adjusted, and adjusted again, until a satisfying balance is found.
This forum, is for many, a place where we can talk about things, to people who share an interrest for the noble art of Chess. Nowadays, that means something.
That's all I wanted to say here. peace to all, and may you and your beloved ones evade the virus.
It's not in vain, clearly...it's the only Covid thread that has not been locked over time. If you want to discuss Covid with politics and religion being fair game, there are clubs you can join where the forums are not moderated.
I will admit it's sad that there's more barking dogs trying to post their pet theories than people legitimately trying to share Covid experiences or real information. But it's still valuable to have a public thread about it, for the same reasons you pointed out.
I really feel bad to see you in this situation! ( you need a real and strong hero too). 
Marie,
I admire your passion and the fact you stand up for what you believe in, but there are those like myself who do not like Fauci nor believe every word that comes from his mouth is gospel. Since you follow him, haven't you read any articles that state he was wrong or misled anyone? I believe some of the issues of his misleading comments were even in some of the publications which are considered to lean to the left.
Honestly, I could care less who Fauci works for and I hear is working for President BIden now. I just want a man leading the charge that I can trustand Fauci is not that man in my opinion.
I am simply stating facts from a science site about the documented things he has done while you quote his work environment from the New York Times....perhaps the most fair and balanced newspapers in the world. Believe what you want. Thanks for your comments.