Just at a certain stage of the pandemic, lockdown is much more effective than other methods, another question is that a lockdown that lasts too long after a certain point begins to bring more harm than good, and state authorities that impose restrictions on the movement of citizens should not forget that lockdown is a last resort, which should be used only in exceptional cases.
Lockdown is the last resort but cant guarantee effectiveness due to stubborn people who keep acting against the government. They are not following the rules and still going outside despite of the strict implementation (well its based on our experience here). So after the long lockdown, there seems little improvement but the virus is still there existing. The economy and the people who abide the rules are greatly affected by this lockdown. Imagine that you comply and did your best to stay at home while other people are roaming around as if there's no virus.
Lack of cooperation is the problem thats why up to now we are not covid free yet.