I'm going to skip the easy response of "sensible precaution at this stage." Let's look at this universe you have cited after first stating "shutting down society."

First, we are talking about only universities. Not downtown businesses, not grocery stores, not gas stations, etc, etc.

Second, 100% online learning at universities affects only the businesses that must cater to students in person. Lots of businesses supply students online. Textbooks, school gear, etc. I guess the school cafeteria would be impacted, and RAs. After that, I struggle.

Finally, we're talking about a semester. Pretty much everyone agrees, even the very cautious people who are we over me, that by January we should have a better handle on the virus and more importantly, on a vaccine or better treatments. If we don't and t is running rampant, lord help us. Anyway, this is about dealing with this, for the greater good, for a whole 4.5 months.

Oh - places of worship. My 95-year-old grandparents have been watching their church service online about 50% of the time for a few years now. Not hard to provide. They seem fine with it. And it is easier on them, especially when they are "feeling puny."

Again, this is 4.5 months of putting we above me. That's all it is.