Dynamic measures against the coronavirus examined

An alternating cycle of suppression interventions and relaxation could offer a pragmatic strategy - particularly for developing countries - to prevent health systems from being overloaded while reducing the economical and societal burden. The coronavirus pandemic has imposed an unprecedented challenge to global healthcare systems, societies and governments. SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has been detected in almost every country in the world with 4.8 million confirmed cases and more than 300,000 deaths. Since there are currently no effective treatments or a vaccine against COVID-19, the strategies to combat the pandemic globally concentrate on interventions that reduce the transmission of the virus through - sometimes drastic - measures of social distancing, including lockdowns. While such measures can prevent health systems from becoming overloaded, they can also lead to considerable economic costs, financial uncertainty and social problems in some countries. There is growing concern that such long-term interventions, particularly for developing countries, will not be sustainable. An alternative approach could be to alternate strengthened measures with periods of relaxation.