I think what the pandemic showed was that you can "follow the science" and do whatever you want, because when scientists disagree you pick the one who says what you want. The same for lots of things - UK drug policy (which involved things like firing a scientific advisor for giving the wrong advice), what to do about global warming, etc.
The whole idea of science as handed down by authority also helps people like creationists and conspiracy theorists because if its just a matter of authority then you can choose a different authority.
A certain pandemic recently showcased this to the world as it was told to „follow the science“ and never mind who was leading it.