In fact I would be curious if a single medical textbook anywhere in the world mentions this as a possible solution to any epidemic. It seems to be a innovation,

In fact I would be curious if a single medical textbook anywhere in the world mentions this as a possible solution to any epidemic. It seems to be a innovation, coming from politicians more than scientists. The practice so far, still uncommon, was to quarantine sick people, not force the entire population to stay at home.