The Math Behind Social Distancing
Symptoms of COVID-19 develop an average of five days after infection. During that time, the
virus can be transmitted, although we don't know how easily. If an infected person transmits
the virus to 2.5 other people, and those people each transmit to 2.5 more people, and so on, within 30 days, 406 would be infected. With stringent social distancing, that number can be reduced enough to stop, or at least curb, the spread.
Now
5 Days
30 Days
Infects
1 person
2.5 people infected
406 people infected
50% LESS EXPOSURE
Now
5 Days
30 Days
Infects
1 person
1.25 people infected
15 people infected
75% LESS EXPOSURE
Now
5 Days
30 Days
Infects
1 person
.625 people infected
2.5 people infected
SOURCE: University of California San Diego biologist Robert A.J. Signer and art director Gary Warshaw
DOMINIQUE DeMOE / Staff Artist
The Math Behind
Social Distancing
Symptoms of COVID-19 develop an average of five days after infection. During that time, the virus can be transmitted, although we don't know how easily. If an infected person transmits the virus to 2.5 other people, and those people each transmit to 2.5 more people, and so on, within 30 days, 406 would be infected. With stringent social distancing, that number can be reduced enough to stop, or at least curb, the spread.
Now
1 person
5 Days
2.5 people infected
30 Days
406 people infected
50% LESS EXPOSURE
Now
1 person
5 Days
1.25 people infected
30 Days
15 people infected
75% LESS EXPOSURE
Now
1 person
5 Days
.625 people infected
30 Days
2.5 people infected
SOURCE: University of California San Diego biologist Robert
A.J. Signer and art director Gary Warshaw
DOMINIQUE DeMOE / Staff Artist
