What makes you think another lockdown would eradicate it entirely in stead of it just coming back again?
I also don't believe europe would be capable of implementing an eradication strategy. The required social capital has already been burned, and at no point has europe demonstrated it's ability to work together on this. Now we can only wait for the technocrats to deliver us salvation in the form of a vaccine.
Even if the entire EU would agree to do it, we're still surrounded by other countries who might not do the same. And who's people will come into the EU whether we close the border or not.
(the guy who beheaded someone in France came to the EU illegally over the Mediterranean 2 or 3 days prior.)
Thinking an eridication strategy would've worked would've been a worse plan than lowering the curve I think.
We couldn't keep it out even if we wanted to. And yes, on that aspect, it's a huge difference to be an island far away from other countries.
Borders can be shut, it was done earlier this year. Lockdowns can be enforced, it was done earlier this year. Governments can provide financial support, it's been happening all year.
All this could be over in 4-6 months, and were going into the miserable 4-6 months of the year anyway.
But somehow it's all too hard and the economic damage would be too severe.
What people won't put up with, and rightly so, is an incoherent strategy across Europe. Why make sacrifices if everyone is then encouraged to go on their summer holiday to save the economy and undo everything?
Its frankly disappointing.