We have recommendations from medical professionals, but masking, social distancing, etc. work best when we all pull together and cooperate for the greater good. If some MAGA idiots rampage maskless through the local Target in order to make a point or to "protest for Freedumb", it puts everyone there at risk. The same goes for vaccines; if some refuse to be vaccinated, we're all at greater risk.
Likewise, our form of government; Nancy Pelosi and the House can pass legislation
in the House, but if Moscow Mitch won't allow it, it won't go anywhere once it reaches the Senate.
The CDC can and did make common sense recommendations, but when Trump starts tweeting some contrary, foolish nonsense the very same day, his red hat zombie-like followers certainly aren't going to take the CDC seriously.