The goal on the part of the extreme Left early on was suppression of economic activity, especially the so-called “non-essential” side, under the guise of public health.
Even before Covid, many tried to talk down the stock market, wished for a recession, and insisted the economy only worked for 1%. They will NOT re-open the way were, if they can get in the way.
The re-open goal posts started at a firm 30-day lock down, shelter-in-place, social distancing. The goal posts have gradually moved (back) for dozens of reasons since then.
Since not even one death, but just from Covid, made no sense, the general approach recently has been to re-open with “guidelines”. Guidelines so oppressive that the economy is effectively, essentially, still shut down.
The latest chess move. Introduce quietly the idea that society will have to be adjusted to accommodate the most vulnerable (elderly and/or those with serious comorbidities) so they can participate just like everyone else in the age of Covid. A variation of ADA.