But it does not eliminate the virus from existence, meaning that we are all right back where we are now within a few weeks or months once again. What's the point?
It slows the spread considerably. It also gives time to move other resources into place; it may completely burn out in some places.
Of course, if we have idiots like that one in Kentucky that is known positive that insists on breaking quarantine, well...
“But it does not eliminate the virus from existence, meaning that we are all right back where we are now within a few weeks or months once again. What’s the point?”
As already mentioned, it’s not intended to eliminate the virus from existence. It’s intended to “flatten the curve” of the rate of infection, allowing hospitals to remain able to effectively treat all the infected as well as other seriously ill patients that might otherwise get no treatment if the ICUs are overwhelmed. If that can be maintained as the virus dissipates when/why it eventually does, it could save many lives.
No problem for them if it doesn’t go away, they’ll just have to keep extending the mandatory economic shutdowns until the public is bankrupt and it’s time to pivot into the Green New Deal.
It allows doctors and nurses not to work to exhaustion. It allows for the slight possibility of a ventilator if you get sick or maybe just a bed with care.