Voluntary Cyclical Distancing: A Potential Alternative to Constant Level Mandatory Social Distancing, Relying on an “Infection Weather Report”

Abstract

COVID-19 has significantly changed our daily lives. Stay-at-home orders and forced closings of all non-essential businesses had a significant impact on our economy. While it is important to ensure that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed, there are many questions that remain about the efficacy of extreme social distancing, and whether there are alternatives to mandatory lockdowns. This paper analyzes the utility of various levels of social distancing, and suggests an alternative approach using voluntary distancing informed by an infectious load index or "infection weather report."