This is demonstrably false. Basic interventions have proven effective across the globe. Reducing the growth rate can cause the case count to decay to zero. Interventions do not need to be 100% effective to succeed in controlling a problem. This is like saying that it is possible to get pregnant or an STI with a condom so we should just have unprotected sex.

Sadly the lockdowns were never billed as something that would put a stop to Covid and the government has really never made an honest effort at that. But let it never be said we took the easy way out.