Recent study illustrates how social distancing has saved Louisvillians during the pandemic<\/p>\n<\/section><\/div>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tResearchers released a new study on Monday showing how social distancing has saved the lives of Louisvillians.The study, Projecting the COVID-19 Weekly Deaths, Infections, and Hospitalizations for Jefferson County, Kentucky, was completed by the University of Louisville and the Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. The research started back in March.Dr. Sarah Moyer, a co-author in the study says researchers used a model that measures the effect of public health policy interventions to contain an infection. Projections showed that if social distancing did not start when it did, hundreds of people in the city would have died as a result of the virus. The study also warns what would happen if strong and effective social distancing measures are pulled back. According to data, Louisville could see more than 900 people die from COVID-19 and 2,000 more hospitalized by August if restrictions are eased too early. “I think my main conclusion is that for sooner opening, safer opening we need stronger social distancing,” Dr. Seyed Karimi said. As far as defeating the virus goes, the study says implementing systems to quickly contact trace to decrease transmission after a contact has been made are crucial. Mayor Greg Fischer says data and research will be heavily relied on when it comes to re-opening Louisville.\u201cWe’re not looking to be the fastest, we’re looking to be the best when it comes to re-opening our economy,\u201d Fischer said.As of Monday afternoon 102 Jefferson County residents have died from COVID-19.\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n