Canadian study: Shorter, more frequent lockdowns could lead to fewer COVID-19 cases

Shorter, more frequent lockdowns could lead to fewer COVID-19 cases, study finds A new study out of Toronto suggests that shorter, but more frequent lockdowns could lead to fewer cases of COVID-19. Coronavirus

TORONTO -- A new study out of Toronto suggests that shorter, but more frequent lockdowns, could lead to fewer cases of COVID-19.

The study, conducted by researchers at York University in Toronto, found that Ontario's current practice of initiating lockdowns for longer periods of time may actually decrease public compliance with these restrictions.

Using a model that reacts to "realistic social dynamics," including compliance with physical distancing and self-isolation, researchers reported that social fatigue and individual costs can "diminish the effectiveness of lockdowns and lead to worse health outcomes."

Researchers reported that the individual cost of lockdowns not only includes financial loss, but also the psychological burden of staying home. They noted that these costs can increase with each lockdown.

The study was published Wednesday in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Royal Society Open Science. ...

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