"Some of you may die, but it's a sacrifice I am willing to make" - Lord Farquaad, Shrek (2001)
Regardless of the ethical dilemma, it's a politically untenable position. Vaccine-derived poliovirus [1] affected less than 800 people, compared to 6.5 million if vaccination was not pursued. [2] However, even such few cases were exploited by false teachers (anti-vax, religious groups) to oppose the vaccination efforts entirely. [3] China's economy is recovering already. Although the economic consequences of the lockdown are serious, it's not worth jeopardising trust in public health authorities.
Regardless of the ethical dilemma, it's a politically untenable position. Vaccine-derived poliovirus [1] affected less than 800 people, compared to 6.5 million if vaccination was not pursued. [2] However, even such few cases were exploited by false teachers (anti-vax, religious groups) to oppose the vaccination efforts entirely. [3] China's economy is recovering already. Although the economic consequences of the lockdown are serious, it's not worth jeopardising trust in public health authorities.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polio_eradication#Vaccine-deri...
[2] http://polioeradication.org/polio-today/polio-prevention/the...
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polio_eradication#Opposition_t...