How to Estimate the Effectiveness of Lockdown Policies in COVID-19

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The more stringent and nation's containment policies, the more successful it was at averting deaths from COVID-19. The most effective measures were policies banning small gatherings and closing businesses and schools. Less intrusive measures such as government support for vulnerable populations also had an impact. Airport health checks have no discernible benefit.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries introduced strict lockdowns to help prevent spread of the disease. Since then, researchers have been studying the effects of these measures to help inform responses to future crises.

Conclusions suggest that countries that acted swiftly to bring in strict measures did best at preserving lives and their economies, but analysing the competing costs and benefits of lockdowns has been tough, as this work often comes down not to scientific calculations, but value judgements.

This is an audio version of our Feature: What scientists have learnt from COVID lockdowns

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