Frontiers in Public Health (Jun 2020)

Transitioning Out of the Coronavirus Lockdown: A Framework for Evaluating Zone-Based Social Distancing

  • Eric Friedman,
  • Eric Friedman,
  • John Friedman,
  • John Friedman,
  • Simon Johnson,
  • Simon Johnson,
  • Adam Landsberg,
  • Adam Landsberg,
  • Adam Landsberg,
  • Adam Landsberg

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00266
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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In the face of elevated pandemic risk, canonical epidemiological models imply the need for extreme social distancing over a prolonged period. Alternatively, people could be organized into zones, with more interactions inside their zone than across zones. Zones can deliver significantly lower infection rates, with less social distancing, particularly if combined with simple quarantine rules and contact tracing. This paper provides a framework for understanding and evaluating the implications of zones, quarantines, and other complementary policies.

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