What's the end game for Covid-19?

Question

When we first started taking precautions against the virus, I figured the goal was to halt its spread. However, the more recent consensus seems to be that we are doing this to "flatten the curve". Ie, we know that the virus cannot be contained, but we can slow down its spread, so that our hospitals do not get overwhelmed.Somewhat paradoxically, the more successful we are at flattening the curve, the longer we will need to be in a state of shutdown. The estimates I've been hearing from experts is that 20-60% of Americans will eventually get infected. And that if we're successful in "flattening the curve", it will take 12-18 months before the virus plateaus off. Which is roughly when a vaccine will be ready for mass-use as well.Assuming that the current shutdown measures are successful and we flatten the curve over a 12-18 month period, what exactly is our end game here? Are we going to sustain our current lockdowns for the entire upcoming year?As a tech worker who is happily working from home, I don't mind at all. But what about all the people working retail, dining, entertainment, tourism, and similar industries? Are we willing to accept putting them out of work for an entire year? The shutdown has barely been in place for 2 weeks, and people are already suffering under the financial burden. The $1000 payout being considered will certainly help... but only temporarily. Can we really handle extending the status quo for an entire year?

anigbrowl · Accepted Answer

Literally nobody knows. Assuming that as an epidemic it will burn itself out (perhaps killing many, with most of the survivors gaining immunity), the enormous economic dislocation and disproportionate demographic impacts will likely result in political turbulence, as those who were less well off under the rapidly disappearing status quo have no reason to assist in its re-establishment.

mytailorisrich · Answer

Lockdowns do not have to last that long.
Once the epidemic is under control they can be lifted, but precautions and strict procedures must remain, which depend on the people being diligent and with a strong civic sense.
See China, Korea, etc.

What's the end game for Covid-19?

Lockdowns do not have to last that long.Once the epidemic is under control they can be lifted, but precautions and strict procedures must remain, which depend on the people being diligent and with a strong civic sense.See China, Korea, etc.

Lockdowns do not have to last that long.
Once the epidemic is under control they can be lifted, but precautions and strict procedures must remain, which depend on the people being diligent and with a strong civic sense.
See China, Korea, etc.