This flu season is estimated to have killed between 24,000 and 62,000 with the "official" estimate likely to fall around 35,000 to 38,000. And, as pointed out this is with a vaccine that works.

When they "guess wrong" and the vaccine does not work for the most prevalent flu strains in a given season, you end up in situations like the 2015 and 2018 seasons where the range is even wider and the official estimate is 50,000 or 60,000. Very similar to the current projections for COVID-19.

I think the lock downs were necessary to get a handle on things, but I also think now that there is a handle on things (according to the models) we need to start marching towards normalcy. I also believe, as we start to open back up, the public will become more accepting of the risks associated with the virus, much like they are with other risks experienced throughout all aspects of life. If/when there is a spike in cases, there should not be another lock down.