It was only ever supposed to buy us time (to develop treatments, vaccines, reorganize workplaces) and avoid overwhelming the capacity of services like hospitals

It was only ever supposed to buy us time (to develop treatments, vaccines, reorganize workplaces) and avoid overwhelming the capacity of services like hospitals. I don't think anyone credible has said that lockdowns were going to put the genie back in the bottle. It is only one component of a complete response. They _have_ argued that a complete response might permit more economic normalcy somewhat sooner, and that appears to be bearing out.