Why lockdowns can halt the spread of COVID-19

Mar 21, 2020

A view of St. Peter's Square, on the fourth day of an unprecedented lockdown across of all Italy imposed to slow the outbreak of coronavirus, as seen from Rome, Italy, March 13, 2020. REUTERS/Alberto Lingria TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC2XIF9ILEFL

The models, real and hypothetical, show lockdowns work in halting the spread of disease. Image: REUTERS/Alberto Lingria

Samantha Sault

Writer, Washington DC and Geneva

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Unmitigated epidemic scenarios for GB and the US

Projected COVID-19-related deaths in the UK and US without any interventions Image: Imperial College London

Mitigation strategy scenarios for GB showing critical care (ICU) bed requirements

The impact of various social distancing or lockdown measures on ICU bed requirements Image: Imperial College London

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What is the World Economic Forum doing about the coronavirus outbreak?

Following the lockdown, new COVID-19 cases in China slowed. Image: BBC

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bergamo and Lodi, Italy Image: Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, University of Oxford & Nuffield College, UK

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