The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions in containing epidemics: a rapid review of the literature and quantitative assessment

Jane Cheatley; Sabine Vuik; Marion Devaux; Stefano Scarpetta; Mark Pearson; Francesca Colombo; Michele Cecchini

One approach to social distancing is the banning of mass events (e.g. music festivals or large spectator sporting events). While often seen as a logical element of containment strategies, the evidence suggest that this intervention is most effective when implemented together with other social distancing measures (Ishola and Phin, 2011[7] ; Markel et al., 2007[8] ). This is because contact-time at such events is relatively small compared to the time spent in schools, workplaces, or other community locations such restaurants (Ferguson et al., 2020[9] ). As with other containment strategies, the earlier bans on mass gatherings are enforced, the greater their impact (Hatchett, Mecher and Lipsitch, 2007[10] ).