If it is one thing we all should have learned from this, it's that law is not absolute. Law is open to be selectively applied. And just because you've broken the law - maybe even broken the law multiple times - there is no guarantee that you will be prosecuted, if it serves the authorities to not prosecute you.

Similarly, you may have done nothing of significance wrong, yet have the book thrown at you, again, if it serves the authorities to prosecute you.

On some level, we all sort of knew this; but never in my life have I seen it put into such frequent, blatant practice.

Is wearing a mask an actual religious practice? If it is you can do anything you want to like rob, kill, enslave or torture and claim it is your religious right. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and render unto God what is God's.