If you like bouncing balls explaining how to slow down #coronavirus, my latest story in the @washingtonpost is for you: Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve” washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/…
The early trickle of new #coronavirus infections has turned into a steady current. By creating simple simulations, we can see how to slow it down. Here's what it looks like if you don't do anything to stop the spread.
We could try to implement a forced quarantine, but it's gonna be hard to pull off.
Instead, we could encourage what experts call "social distancing." If people are less mobile and interact with each other less, the virus has fewer opportunities to spread. Here's a simulation where only a quarter of the balls can move.
As you might expect, the more social distancing, the better. "We control the desire to be in public spaces by closing down public spaces," @drewaharris told me. "Reducing the opportunities for gathering helps folks social distance." Here's what it looks like if only 1/8 can move.
The story features RANDOM simulations, so every time you read it, your results will change. Even with different results, moderate social distancing will usually outperform the attempted quarantine, and extensive social distancing usually works best of all. washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/…
