Flatten the curve

Measures such as social distancing and stay-at-home orders slow down the spread of the disease.^[1]

Flattening the curve is a term used in public health to mean slowing down the spread of diseases such as COVID-19. The curve being flattened is the epidemic curve, a representation of the number of infected people needing health care over time. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the term was mostly used by healthcare professionals. However, during the pandemic it was used frequently by the media.^[2]

During an epidemic, a health care system can break down when the number of people infected passes the health care system's ability to take care of them. Flattening the curve means slowing the spread of the epidemic so that the peak number of people requiring care at a time is reduced, and the health care system does not pass its capacity.^[1]^[2]

Flattening the curve relies on techniques such as quarantine, stay at home orders (lockdown), and social distancing.

Flatten The Curve Media

SIR model showing the impact of reducing the infection rate (\beta) by 76%
Queue markers at a shopping mall in Bangkok as a social distancing practice

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 The three phases of Covid-19—and how we can make it manageable. The Spinoff (2020-03-09). Morningside, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved 2020-03-09.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 Gavin, Kara. Flattening the Curve for COVID-19: What Does It Mean and How Can You Help? (2020-03-11)University of Michigan. Retrieved October 12, 2025.

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[Wiles_20200309-1] 1.0 ^1.1 The three phases of Covid-19—and how we can make it manageable. The Spinoff (2020-03-09). Morningside, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved 2020-03-09.

[:0-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Gavin, Kara. Flattening the Curve for COVID-19: What Does It Mean and How Can You Help? (2020-03-11)University of Michigan. Retrieved October 12, 2025.

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