How can herd immunity stop the spread of the coronavirus?

While it is horrifying to think of, it is important for us to understand why several governments are refusing to implement lockdowns. There is, in fact, sound science that backs up this move. 

In this article for the MIT Technology Review, Antonio Regalado explains what herd immunity is and why it is important in breaking an outbreak. In order for herd immunity to take hold, immune systems must have the capacity to develop antibodies so that COVID-19 symptoms no longer become fatal. 

The article also states that suppression of the virus through widescale lockdowns could lead to longer and deeper suffering, as countries are forced to keep and fund these measures in place.