According to research results by researchers at Columbia University, social spacing measures taken in the US after March 15 "significantly reduced the Covid-19 infection rate." The study focused on the situation of infection in urban areas.

However, the researchers estimate that if the social gap measures were applied a week earlier than March 15 in reality, the United States could reduce more than 700,000 cases of Covid-19 and 35,927 people. may have been saved.

Even if the social gap measures were applied two weeks earlier, starting on March 1, the number of people rescued could reach 54,000.

From the research model, epidemiologists can determine how the infection level will change if the blockade is imposed. The researchers believe that even a few small changes can prevent a significant outbreak of the disease.

“This is a huge difference. Even a small moment of time plays an important role in reducing the number of deaths, ”Jeffrey Shaman, an epidemiologist at Columbia and who led the study, told the New York Times .

Up to now, the US is still the largest outbreak in the world. The country recorded more than 96,000 deaths and more than 1.62 million infections.

The study was published at a time when most states in the US were gradually lifting restrictive measures to reopen the economy after a period of "freezing" because of the epidemic. However, the researchers said the "rapid response" will play an important role in avoiding the second wave of infection throughout the United States.

The administration of President Donald Trump has denied the research results.

"What could have saved lives is China’s transparency and the World Health Organization fulfilling its mission. What can save American lives is the great leadership of President Trump, ”White House spokesman Judd Deere told the Washington Post .