Targeted lockdowns are the new way to control the coronavirus

Precision shutdowns can slow emerging outbreaks while lessening the overall economic impact of the response. But they risk a backlash from those who are targeted, and may not be strong enough to keep a highly contagious virus under control.

Several countries have used area-level lockdowns. In the U.S., New York City used a partial shutdowns on a neighborhood basis to contain the virus while continuing reopening elsewhere. For New York this strategy was effective according to data released on Thursday that showed that the infection rate had been controlled.