Having Lockdowns Could Alternately Help Control the Spread of COVID-19 Virus

To control the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is highly encouraged. Nevertheless, the measures taken have devastated the economy due to months of lockdown. A study presents a potential method to fight the spread of the virus without causing too much economic depression.

The study suggests that 50 days of total lockdown and a month of relaxation can contribute to the containment of the virus. An international team of researchers explained that this setup can allow people and the economy to take a breather. According to the researchers, this is sustainable, especially in poor countries. The cycle may help since the vaccine for COVID-19 can probably be introduced within a year at least.

Researchers estimated that if this is done, the number of people dying from the virus can be cut down to over 3 million. The rate of infection could be reduced to 0.8 from 2.2. However, it is likely that the number of patients needing ICU can be more than what the hospital can accommodate.

For the duration of alternating lockdown and relaxation, it depends on the countries and the current interventions they are utilizing. Nations can also use this relaxation period to improve the healthcare system and develop vaccines or medications.