I propose that instead of being part of a scam, countries are doubling down on restrictions as a denial reaction to being scammed.

Consider how China purported to have solved their outbreak by locking down. Other countries followed suit and didn't get the supposed reduction. Like a victim continuing to send money thinking he'll get the Nigerian prince's money, these countries are continuing restrictions even with the destruction it has caused hoping the spread will stop to their favor.

Even with those held up as proof that lockdowns work (AU, NZ) they must keep doing these or else they face a hit in their reputation for allowing the virus to affect them again. Their zero cases can only be attributed to lockdown and therefore a single case is a sign of weakness, notwithstanding the possible destruction these will cause, but those are mere inconveniences to the image of zero virus.

The whole Davos stuff is a whole different matter, pandemic or not nations will try to be part of the in crowd by joining international forum claptrap.

Still, rather than acknowledge the possibility of being scammed, politicos have ridden their reputations on being able to eradicate a virus, to glaring consequences they try to ignore.