What precedent does it set?

That civil rights can be suspended indefinitely without due process, by executive decree. Yes people have gotten arrested, persecuted, prosecuted etc.

We've already established that the American population is extremely easy to manipulate.

...and what population isn't?

Most people around the world put their masks on just fine.

This brings evidence to my previous question.

America isn't special.

Depends on how you define special.