It is utterly apolitical or connected with wealth. And all to do with saving lives by reducing spread in the way that works best.
Unconnected with wealth? Plenty of studies (e.g. TUC, World Economic Forum) have shown that it is the youngest workers that are most at risk of job losses during the Covid recession. And of course it is of course the young that have the lowest incomes and least amount of savings and other financial assets to fall back if their hours are cut or they lose their job entirely.
Then we have the harm done to children and young people from disruption to education, at least during the first great lockdown.
And whose lives are being saved? The average age of a Covid death is 82, and the great majority of lives that are being saved (or, rather, extended) are the elderly.
Your point about false economy of national vs local lockdowns needs some serious analysis that I don't think anyone has actually done yet. Instead, all we are getting from all sides is policy on the hoof driven by media and social media pressure.
