These aren't the only options though. At least not in a "all in or all out" kind of way over a large area and length of time. You can aggressively test and trac

These aren't the only options though. At least not in a "all in or all out" kind of way over a large area and length of time. You can aggressively test and trace and separate just those that test positive. You can quarantine those most prone to be affected/infected. You can quarantine specific localized areas where there is infection. These all require that you actually implement these things effectively and comprehensively of course. And just for the record, I think in early March we absolutely made the right decisions, and the "lockdowns" that are still in place are still the right way to go considering how terribly the US has managed all this. In general though, this doesn't seem to be the only or even the best tool we have in our toolbox to fight a pandemic like this. Had the NYC area started an extensive test and trace program when we were in our lulls in August (NJ was down to under 300 cases a day across the state), and enacted forced quarantines with criminal consequences, I think we would be in a much better place now. As an aside on a personal level, I am livid that I am being forced to go back in the office on Monday 5 days a week despite being able to be able to do my job 100% effectively. Its completely irresponsible and has permanently damaged my view of my employer.