[oldalum]

France was built for shutdowns - 
The working citizens get 6 (or more) weeks of vacation.
Many routinely take August off, so they have that part of the challenge down too.
And, with universal health care, they don't need to scramble back to work seconds after layoffs.
Most of Europe has a similar deal as many even offer extended paid breaks for those struggling with serious illnesses.

The USA was not built for shutdowns 
Working citizens get 2 weeks of vacation time, if they are lucky
Most don't even take their 2 week allocation each year
With insurance provided by employers Americans often can't afford healthcare when they become unemployed
In most cases USA citizens will get a small fraction of their pay should they become disabled and almost nothing if they have a serious illness.

So if you think about it the USA was not built for shutdowns is essentially true. 
For similar reasons the USA was not built for pandemics.

You are a deeper thinker than I am! I think it's time for me to shut down for awhile.

[oldalum]

France was built for shutdowns - 
The working citizens get 6 (or more) weeks of vacation.
Many routinely take August off, so they have that part of the challenge down too.
And, with universal health care, they don't need to scramble back to work seconds after layoffs.
Most of Europe has a similar deal as many even offer extended paid breaks for those struggling with serious illnesses.

The USA was not built for shutdowns 
Working citizens get 2 weeks of vacation time, if they are lucky
Most don't even take their 2 week allocation each year
With insurance provided by employers Americans often can't afford healthcare when they become unemployed
In most cases USA citizens will get a small fraction of their pay should they become disabled and almost nothing if they have a serious illness.

So if you think about it the USA was not built for shutdowns is essentially true. 
For similar reasons the USA was not built for pandemics.

You are a deeper thinker than I am! I think it's time for me to shut down for awhile.