We could go a long way to herd immunity if they just let young people get on with their lives and get infected through their normal daily routine. The virus is much less harmful to young people than a normal flu. So there is zero reason to try to prevent them from getting it by taking trillions out of the economy. But, yes, old people should be doing the social distancing and mask-wearing and hand-washing while the virus is allowed to surge in the young.
I think it was too new and we couldn’t take the chance. I wouldn’t be surprised if that is some part of the plan to reopen the country. Maybe try to get to herd immunity but slowly. Open up then pull back if it looks like it’s getting out of control, reopen again, etc., etc., probably in a more piecemeal way by locations. Even that would be unpleasant but I expect they’ll try to manage the damage to peoples’ health and to the economy.