Distancing will have huge impact on safety

Did the graphic "The Power of Social Distancing" published in the Daily Herald actually indicate that Illinois and other states are overreacting to the COVID-19 problem? Are we, as some are saying, taking steps that will damage the economy and others' lives unnecessarily?

We seem to be failing to recognize the "law of diminishing return." For those who didn't see "Our View" on March 24, it shows that with no reduction in social contacts, one sick person would directly/indirectly cause 406 COVID-19 infections in 30 days. If we reduce our social contacts by 50% that same person would cause 15 infections in 30 days. At a 75% reduction, the number drops to 2 1/2 people infected in 30 days.

Over the past 10 days, I would say my social contacts and those of my family have been reduced by 95-99%. How much of a drop from the "2 1/2 people infected in 30 days" would be attributed to that 95% level of isolation?

I believe school online, work online, church online, social groups online and cancellation of sports and other large events have had a tremendous impact on slowing the virus.

I wonder if people with fragile health systems took it upon themselves to social reduction of 95% and the rest of us lived under the cautious level of a 75% reduction could we still occasionally go to stores, restaurants, hotels and keep our businesses and economy functioning until COVID-19 runs its course?

Robert Kopp

Carol Stream