The world was unprepared, some countries more than others. In the panic, my view is that most countries just copied each other's approach like dominoes. Personally, I believe the more vulnerable should have been identified - perhaps in future this can be automated, i.e. obesity, age, underlying issues = straight onto a ranking database, but this may have GDPR issues which would need to be addressed.
Then, focus the attention and protection proportionately across those at risk, and make provision for them and direct resources around that sector. Things like free delivery for anything, support networks (NHS, social services, volunteers etc.), perhaps times in the week where retail, hospitality etc. would be Covid compliant (mandatory - so that those at risk could integrate and feel safer should they wish to), public transport would be Covid mandatory compliance throughout a pandemic and so on. Once that is in place, the rest of us crack on as best as we can. I believe we would have not just saved non-Covid deaths, but Covid ones too, as well as protecting the economy. One size has never fitted all, and the best fixes (both preventive and reactive) are always focused in my experience (my background is technical not medical mind you). Hopefully, we will be more ready next time and initiate well thought through prepared measures, such as those I've described. This may be controversial, but it's my view.
