The lockdowns did prevent the hospitals being overloaded by
1. Reducing the viral load you are exposed to
2. Reduction /Elimination of contact.
3. Identification of Localised Pockets of transmission
So in summary, yes. Massively helps.
All countries that locked down completely ON TIME (i.e. before the first 30 deaths had fewer deaths
There is no evidence the lockdown did any of that. No health department t that I have seen did anything to trace transmission except maybe to look for the first case. There was no reduction or elimination of contact when you leave abortion clinics pot shops and the NY subways open. Reduction of viral load makes no sense. If you are exposed you are exposed.
On the other had there are very real measurable harms. Start with the unemployment rate and look at economic production. Then look at the suicide rate. It will take a bit longer fo measure the morbidity and mortality from those who became more ill or died because of inaccessible medical cards or fear of going to the ER/hospital.
Even if you buy the curve was “flattened” by the lockdown no one thinks that the lockdown ultimately prevents cases or deaths. If you think the lockdown worked then the rest of the population that didn’t get it from because of the lockdown will get it when the lockdown is lifted. We can’t stay locked down forever despite what liberals and fearpers wish.