Harvard scientists: Some in U.S. will have to continue social distancing measures until 2022
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Health researchers from Harvard contend some people in the United States will have to continue social distancing measures for another two years.
The findings, published Tuesday in the journal Science, show that until a vaccine is found and testing becomes widely available, prolonged or intermittent social restrictions — such as stay-at-home orders and school closures — may be necessary into 2022.
Scientists at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health conceded repeated measures would have profound economic, social and educational consequences.
The report claims while one-time social distancing may suppress the number of critically ill patients, infections will return after these measures are lifted, overwhelming hospitals.
"This is not going to be a simple up-and-down curve. This is going to be almost like a roller coaster that may go on for a year or two."
Internist Dr. Jorge Rodriguez reacts to studies suggesting social distancing may have to continue through 2022.https://t.co/2hoP5UajSI pic.twitter.com/XZc2IpRhMk
— CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) April 14, 2020
“We do not take a position on the advisability of these scenarios given the economic burden that sustained distancing may impose, but we note the potentially catastrophic burden on the healthcare system that is predicted if distancing is poorly effective and/or not sustained for long enough,” the report said.