Flattening the curve

The WHO has emphasized  the importance of “flattening the curve” in order to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, calling on countries around the world to impose sweeping public health measures(including lockdowns) .

-This approach is saving lives and buying time (lock downs) for the development of vaccines and treatments.  -The idea of flattening the curve is to stagger the number of new cases over a longer period, so that people have better access to care.

- It explains why so many countries are implementing draconian policies, such as social-distancing guidelines, “shelter in place” orders, restrictive travel measures and asking citizens to work or engage in schooling from home.

- The above chart shows ..two curves with two very different virus reproduction rates.

1- In the steepest curve, the virus reproduces quickly in a short period of time.

In this scenario, emergency rooms, intensive care units and other parts of the health care system are overwhelmed.

In an overwhelmed system, mortality rates can be high and those infected may not get the treatment they need.

2- In the second, flatter curve, controls help slow the spread of the virus. Infections occur, but over a longer period of time.

Since health care workers and facilities are not overwhelmed, those infected receive better treatment and fewer deaths occur.