I didn’t say that. I said there is no valid proof that those booths do anything. They may offer some protection, they may do nothing, and it’s even possible they make things worse. Without a study there is no way to know

How about all those stores that have installed plexiglass shields for their employees' safety? To me, that is pretty much the same deal as the barriers between booths in restaurants. Why even bother with the added expense to install these barriers if there is no added safety to patrons and employees? There must be some kind of evidence out there to support a reason for establishments to do this. The possibility that these barriers can make things worse is just not on my radar.

We have to distinguish coronavirus mitigation from coronavirus theater. Without proof, those barriers in stores are theater. Masks mitigate to some degree. Social distancing mitigates. Driving alone with the windows up is theater, although I have no idea to what audience. Do I think the barriers around restaurant booths make it worse, no, but without a study it remains unknown. Theoretically, by partially enclosing the booth, the virus could circulate longer around the patrons, depending on vents and air circulation, and increase the time of exposure. Unlikely, but that’s why we do studies