The premises of the OP are all false. First, we didn't "shut down", ever - we reduced commerce, significantly, but never completely (grocery stores stayed open, the shelves remained substantially, factories continued to produce, hospitals remained open). Much of the impact has been the result of the outbreak itself, and most of it in "luxury" markets (travel, entertainment). Second, 96% may "survive" but that was never what the restrictions were about.
We're in the midst of a pandemic. The SARS-COV-2 virus is particularly virulent - transmissible+deadly. We know from past experience what that combination means when it becomes widespread (see 1918). The effort was to slow the virus spread, by known means, to allow hospitals to avoid being overwhelmed, and give the system (medicine, pharmacy) time to figure out a treatment/cure. The idiots at the top and their sycophantic followers refuse/d to understand that. They make excuses, downplay the threat, and idioticize policy, then ignore it anyway.
It may not be rocket science, but it is science: Masks reduce spread by at least 70%. Social distancing even more. Handwashing even more. LIMITING contacts reduces the opportunity for the virus to be transmitted, and allows contact tracing. This is all common sense (which is probably why Trump acolytes can't follow it). There are smart ways to accomplish a return to normal commerce, and stupid ways.
