It is for the same reason Italy went in lockdown when the virus was already wreaking havoc: To spread the number of sick people over a longer time.
That way you will have a less intense ‘peak’ that puts a burden on the medical infrastructure.
It is not so stupid as you might think, it is the way to go according to experts. You will not stop the virus, most people will get sick, but spreading it over a longer time helps in relieving the pressure on your hospitals and clinics somewhat.
Originally Posted by
DieselOx
This is a supremely stupid action. The virus is already here.
Whatever, they'll figure that out in a couple weeks.
Anyone questioning why they did this? Sheer incompetence, nothing else.