The media often chooses who it places as the so-called "experts". Those who want to do their own research can find many other experts who have opposing opinions. There are literally thousands of PhD level data scientists, disease experts, and economists who disagree vehemently with the current policies. There are also thousands that agree with them. Going against the "Annointed Expert" is often cause for derision and ridicule. I wish more people would self-educate and listen to all perspectives intelligently (politically and otherwise). But still follow the laws and orders even if you disagee. Anarchy is typically worse than a poor policy.

In states of fear we gravitate towards those experts who promote action. We want to believe that we can do something because anything else makes us feel powerless. That is why why crisis comes, those experts who promote the most radical of ideas are often promoted as the most relevant because their ideas make us feel best.