That's not what the words mean. "pretext" and "pretense" both imply that there's a hidden purpose for something in the first place.

Using those words implies that the COVID lockdowns were created entirely for that purpose, and the stated purpose was a lie.

I don't read it like that at all.

It's literally the definitions of the words:

> A reason or excuse given to hide the real reason for something.

> That which is assumed as a cloak or means of concealment; something under cover of which a true purpose is hidden; an ostensible reason, motive, or occasion; a pretense.