Periods of social distancing might be necessary into 2022 to avoid overwhelming hospitals, Harvard researchers say

Chalinee Thirasupa/Reuters

• Social distancing measures could be necessary on and off through 2022, according to infectious-disease researchers at Harvard.
• To prepare for future waves of infections and build "herd immunity," the researchers said countries should expand their critical care capacities and look for new treatments.
• Widespread coronavirus testing should also continue at least through 2024, to plan social distancing measures properly.
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As parts of the US reach the peak of their first wave of coronavirus infections, officials and experts are trying to discern what lies on the other side. According to infectious-disease researchers at Harvard, that could be another two years of on-and-off social distancing.

In an analysis published Tuesday in the journal Science, they modeled the future of the virus that causes COVID-19 based on the behavior of two previous human coronaviruses.

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