State-level needs for social distancing and contact tracing to contain COVID-19 in the United States

Nat Hum Behav. 2020 Oct;4(10):1080-1090. doi: 10.1038/s41562-020-00969-7. Epub 2020 Oct 6.

Abstract

Starting in mid-May 2020, many US states began relaxing social-distancing measures that were put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. To evaluate the impact of relaxation of restrictions on COVID-19 dynamics and control, we developed a transmission dynamic model and calibrated it to US state-level COVID-19 cases and deaths. We used this model to evaluate the impact of social distancing, testing and contact tracing on the COVID-19 epidemic in each state. As of 22 July 2020, we found that only three states were on track to curtail their epidemic curve. Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia may have to double their testing and/or tracing rates and/or rolling back reopening by 25%, while eight states require an even greater measure of combined testing, tracing and distancing. Increased testing and contact-tracing capacity is paramount for mitigating the recent large-scale increases in US cases and deaths.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19
  • Contact Tracing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / statistics & numerical data*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pandemics / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Social Isolation*
  • United States