Optimal timing of one-shot interventions for epidemic control

The interventions and outcomes in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are highly varied. disease both impose costs harm on society. Some with particularly high may only be implemented briefly. design of optimal policy requires consideration many intervention scenarios. In this paper we investigate timing that not sustainable for a long period. Specifically, look at impact single short-term non-repeated (a “one-shot intervention”) an epidemic consider intervention’s timing. To minimize total number infected, should start close to peak so there is minimal rebound once stopped. minimise prevalence, it earlier, leading initial reduction then having same prevalence as pre-intervention rather than one very large peak. delay infections much possible (as might appropriate if expect improved or treatments developed), earlier have clear benefit. populations distinct subgroups, synchronized less effective targeting each subcommunity separately.