The flu kills about 500-650k a year worldwide
this has killed about 500k since about November of 2019. It has infected an approximate 20-35 million people just in the US (based upon sample projections). CDC reports about 80+k have died of Covid. This would mean it has a mortality rate of about .1 to .3% which is slightly higher than flu, which has a vaccine.
Now we can talk about the lockdown that did occur in many places nationwide. Was it effective? Many would argue no. It was negatively effective in preventing ill people from seeking treatment for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, drug and alcohol abuse, etc. it has also led to a dramatic increase in mental illness, especially amongst children.
there will be spikes here and there for the foreseeable future. Simply put we will just have to deal with it until enough have had it to get herd immunity or there is a suitable vaccine. States will have to be flexible in how they are handling this and will have to make adjustments as we go. Though I can’t see anyone locking down again.