As discussions about the effectiveness of these measures continue, various opinions and judgments have emerged. A recent book titled “The Big Fail” and an article in New York Magazine have critiqued the lockdowns used in the US and other countries, arguing that they were a failure.
The authors of “The Big Fail” raise several points against lockdowns, such as the dislocation of students from schools, disruption of businesses, delayed medical care for some individuals, and the social and educational impact on young students. They question whether the social, economic, and medical downsides of lockdowns outweighed their short-term benefits and answer with a resounding “no.”
The author of this opinion piece counters that the initial lockdowns were crucial in controlling the pandemic’s spread. However, they distinguish between the initial lockdown and subsequent off-and-on measures, which may not have been as effective. They argue that despite the collateral damage caused by lockdowns, they were worth it.
In summary, the debate over the effectiveness and consequences of Covid-19 lockdowns continues, with some arguing that the initial lockdown was necessary, while subsequent measures may have had diminishing returns.