Path Integral Control in Infectious Disease Modeling (2311.02113v1)

Abstract: COVID-19, a global pandemic of unprecedented scale, has had a profound impact on nations worldwide, resulting in the tragic loss of nearly 1.1 million lives in the United States and a staggering 7 million worldwide. In the absence of effective vaccines, governments across the globe resorted to the implementation of lockdown measures as a vital strategy to mitigate the virus's relentless spread. While these restrictions were widely enforced, crucial sectors like public health and safety remained operational, ensuring the continuity of essential services. The timing and stringency of lockdown measures in various U.S. states were intricately tailored to the severity of the outbreak within their respective regions. Lockdowns effectively curtailed social interactions, thereby significantly reducing virus transmission. However, it is essential to strike a balance, as prolonged lockdowns can sow apprehension among the populace, impeding the resumption of normal social activities due to the persistent fear of contracting COVID-19. These prolonged restrictions have reverberated throughout the business landscape, resulting in reduced consumer and employee participation, ultimately denting long-term profitability sustainability. Businesses that lacked the resilience of adequate inventory faced the dire prospect of permanent closure. Regrettably, the absence of substantial government financial support has made business closure an all too common outcome, with the arduous task of revival to former employment levels.