Children Are The Conduits of Viral Infections

The Politico newspaper published an interesting article titled, "5 questions about the latest disease outbreak in China," in which the writer of the piece criticized China's extended lockdown policy, which might have resulted in the widespread outbreak of viral, infectious diseases in China -- particularly among children. Why are Western countries now so critical of such policies? Didn't they follow said policies during the implementation of lockdowns in the West?

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/11/27/chinas-hospitals-filling-but-dont-panic-00128738