[craftinator]

I think the intent from the chief medical advisors (Fauci et al) was to slow the spread to the point where people would continue to get sick, but at a constant and manageable rate. But it's a very tricky thing, turning an exponential process into a linear one; especially when you don't actually know what the exponential is. Of course they couldn't come out and say this without being crucified, but I can't imagine that they simply didn't think ahead towards an outcome; doctors and researches are very much outcome-conscious. Unfortunately, our lovely politicians are, for the most part, math illiterate, and PR-conscious. So here we are.