Age-structured non-pharmaceutical interventions for optimal control of COVID-19 epidemic

In an epidemic, individuals can widely differ in the way they spread infection depending on their age or number of days have been infected for. absence pharmaceutical interventions such as a vaccine treatment, non-pharmaceutical ( e.g . physical social distancing) are essential to mitigate pandemic. We develop original approach identify optimal age-stratified control strategy implement function time since onset epidemic. This is based model with double continuous structure terms host and infection. By applying theory this model, we solution that minimizes deaths costs associated implementation itself. also for three countries contrasted distributions (Burkina-Faso, France, Vietnam). Overall, varies throughout more intense early on, age, stronger older population, except scenario where cost low. latter scenario, find strong differences across because extends younger population France Vietnam 2 3 months after but not Burkina Faso. Finally, show strongly outperforms constant uniform exerted over whole its fraction. improved understanding effect age-based opens new perspectives field, especially contact tracing.