The lockdown thing doesn't work as well as you'd think either.

We have nearly the world's toughest lockdown in Sydney, and weeks later the cases are higher than ever.

Same thing happened here in Melbourne last year, with "officially" the toughest lockdown in the world, for 120 days. It was absolutely miserable.

It eventually works - but the UK eventually saw a similar precipitous decline, along the same timeframe, while only relinquishing restrictions.

The only common thread is that in 5-8 weeks, the spike reverses and plummets, regardless of policy.

(Lockdowns may keep the spike much lower, along with the general spread. But I'm more interested in why they seem to have no effect on arresting or reversing the spread once it takes hold.)

Perspective: Aussie, plugged in, watching the West and India closely.