Green zones: a mathematical proposal for how to exit from the COVID-19 lockdown

Apr 19, 2020

Ethan (8) and Fin (9) are seen playing over the fence that divides their gardens, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Chester-le-Street, Britain, April 11, 2020. REUTERS/Lee Smith TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC2H2G9N6V4G

Keeping a safe distance. Image: REUTERS/Lee Smith

Miquel Oliu-Barton

Associate Professor, Université Paris Dauphine – PSL

Bary S. R. Pradelski

Associate Member, Oxford-Man Institute, University of Oxford

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Disconnecting a human network Image: The Conversation

After a number of days, all cells return to green (step 1). After seven days, the green cells merge to form larger green zones (step 2). After seven more days, the green zones merge into a larger green zone (step 3). Image: The Conversation

A new infection is detected in a green zone (step 1). This triggers testing for COVID-19 cases within the area, and other infections are detected in the surrounding cells (step 2). Green-zones are revised to contain the virus (step 3). Image: The Conversation

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