COVID-19 is actively spreading in communities across America. In the absence of treatment and a vaccine, the only things we have to manage the pandemic crisis are public health measures, such as good hygiene, physical distancing and face coverings. Looking to past pandemics, from the 1918-19 influenza pandemic to the Great Plague of the 18th century (when “quarantine” was first used), the central question has always been: how long is physical distancing required? The answer today is clear: 4 to 6 weeks is not enough to suppress the infection. Closer to 12 weeks are essential to approach elimination of the virus in the community and stop the spread.

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