Delaying the development of outbreaks and lowering infection rates ensures healthcare systems do not exceed capacity

Number of daily cases

Outbreak

no intervention

Increased peak in

number of cases and

related demands

on hospitals and

infrastructure

Outbreak

with intervention

Outbreak peak delayed

and reduced number

of overall cases and

health effects

Days since first case

Number of daily cases

Outbreak

with intervention

Outbreak peak delayed

and reduced number

of overall cases and

health effects

Outbreak

no intervention

Increased peak in

number of cases

and related demands

on hospitals and

infrastructure

Days since first case