How simulation modelling can help reduce the impact of COVID-19
Christine Currie, John Fowler, Kathy Kotiadis, Thomas Monks, Bhakti Stephan Onggo, Duncan A. Robertson, Antuela A. Tako
Abstract
Modelling has been used extensively by all national governments and the World Health\nOrganisation in deciding on the best strategies to pursue in mitigating the effects of COVID19. Principally these have been epidemiological models aimed at understanding the spread of\nthe disease and the impacts of different interventions. But a global pandemic generates a large\nnumber of problems and questions, not just those related to disease transmission, and each\nrequires a different model to find the best solution. In this article we identify challenges\nresulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss how simulation modelling could help to\nsupport decision-makers in making the most informed decisions. Modellers should see the\narticle as a call to arms and decision-makers as a guide to what support is available from the\nsimulation community.