May 27, 2020

Association of Stay-at-Home Orders With COVID-19 Hospitalizations in 4 States

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

• In 4 states with stay-at-home orders (CO, MN, OH, and VA), cumulative hospitalizations for COVID-19 deviated from projected exponential growth rates after these orders became effective. The deviation started 2 to 4 days sooner than the median effective date of each state’s order and may reflect the use of a median incubation period for symptom onset and time to hospitalization to establish this date. Factors that potentially decreased the hospitalization include school closures, social distancing guidelines, and general pandemic awareness.  

Sen et al. (May 27, 2020). Association of Stay-at-Home Orders With COVID-19 Hospitalizations in 4 States. JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.9176