Optimizing Cross-Regional Lockdown Policies for Epidemics: Balancing Economic and Public Health Costs
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe reviewed article is devoted to the studying the spread of epidemics between regions, taking into account the detection of false negative cases and their consideration when making socio-economic decisions.
The article is written competently, it contains theorems and their proofs, a series of simulation experiments were conducted, and the results were discussed. However, there are a number of comments over the work:
1. In the abstract of the article, it is desirable to mention the methods used in the work, as well as the difference between the proposed approach and other similar works
2. The article does not have a Conclusion section, it should be added to the work, indicating the theoretical significance and practical value of the work
3. The authors conduct experiments over a six-day period. How will the recommendations change if the research is carried out for another disease with a longer incubation period than COVID?
4. in Section 4 it is necessary to indicate which data sample was used, how it was adapted to the conditions of the problem and add other features of data preprocessing.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear authors,
I have some suggestions for you:
The abstract, though concise, lacks sufficient detail to fully highlight the study’s key contributions and methodologies. Expanding this part would significantly improve the reader’s understanding of the research by emphasizing its core contributions, specific outcomes, and the practical implications of the proposed model.
It would also be beneficial to start with a broader statement that situates the challenges policymakers face when implementing lockdowns, providing essential context for the study.
The discussion section appears underdeveloped and does not adequately connect to the study’s findings. To enhance this part, a more thorough analysis of the results and their broader implications is necessary.
Additionally, integrating these findings with existing research would provide a stronger foundation for the discussion. Besides that, it is also important to critically evaluate the limitations of the model and offer suggestions for future research.
Also, I could say that by linking the findings to real-world policy implications, the relevance and impact of the paper could be significantly strengthened.
The paper currently lacks a conclusion, which is a critical omission.
A well-crafted conclusion should be included to succinctly summarize the research's main findings and underscore their practical significance for decision-makers.
Moreover, it should outline potential directions for future research and consider the possible applications of the proposed models in real-world contexts.
Although the methodology is detailed, certain sections are overloaded with technical information, which may make them difficult to follow.
For example, restructuring the paper to clearly separate the methodology from the main results and discussion would improve the overall readability. Furthermore, the engagement with recent literature could be deepened, particularly regarding studies on optimizing lockdown policies and balancing economic and health costs.
The language throughout the paper tends to be overly technical, potentially alienating readers who are not experts in the field. A language revision to enhance readability would be advisable, ensuring the paper is accessible to a broader audience.
I hope this will improve your paper.
Kind regards
Comments on the Quality of English Language
Minor editing of English language required.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsAbstract
The abstract section describes the overall understanding of the study. The current research provides a framework for policymakers to balance between reducing cross-regional transmission of the virus and the economic cost of strategies such as lockdowns. By using queuing and the SIR network, the study establishes how testing can be done at the right time and it avails information enabling the use of epidemic management to balance public health and economic stability.
Introduction
The introduction section provides the introductory part of the study. In this study, a model is proposed to determine the lockdown policies that could effectively prevent cross-regional epidemic transmission. Hence the integration of queuing and SIR networks, which consider false-negative cases and are sensitive to both public health and economic consequences. The framework helps policymakers suggest an approach to region-specific, long-term, optimised lockdown to reduce the overall morbidity of the epidemic.
Literature Review
The literature review section briefs the existing knowledge and discusses the impact of the topic. This literature review focuses on the analysis of research on the effectiveness of lockdown measures during the epidemic. It highlights two main perspectives such as the positive measures associated with the management and spread of the virus during lockdown and the negative effects of lockdown on the economy. The review also outlines the design of the optimal policy contemplating issues such as testing, quarantine, and enforcement by the government.
Method
The method section discusses the methodology which has been used in the research. The method tracks cross-regional epidemic transmission by employing a queuing network that mimics false-negative spillover, which is proved to follow a Poisson distribution. It includes two service lines for detection and isolation, uses a SIR model to predict infection rate, and calculates probabilities and meantime for health-economic lockdown policy decisions.
Numerical Results
The numerical result provides the outcomes of the conducted research. The recorded numeric outcomes reveal how the volatility of the policy adjustment threshold 𝑁, N and average time to detection 𝑡. t modifies the number of infections and overall expenditures. Increased 𝑡, t causes more infections, while a lower 𝑁, such measures as vaccination or lock raise new infections but levels off as people are advised to report early signs of infection so that they can be isolated and tested.
Discussion
The discussion section analyses the outcomes and discusses their impact. In the current study, an integrated queuing theory and SIR model of the infectious disease network that can be used to analyse COVID-19 is provided. They corroborate the need to diagnose the diseases at the correct time and also the need to adopt preventive measures that are halfway in order to prevent infections and at the same time avoid the manifestation of deeper economic problems.
Comments
this research offers a new perspective on the modeling the COVID-19 transmission and discusses the issues of the role of public health and costs of epidemic control. To that extent, subsequent research should build on effective international business travel management and other sustainable crisis-crossing approaches, providing the policymakers with the guidelines for improvement. Needs to improve the citations and bolster the existing body of literature. Additionally, it is advisable to incorporate a section dedicated to the conclusion.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor editing of English language required.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe article has been significantly improved in accordance with the reviewer's comments. In its current form, the article is recommended for publication.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear authors,
Thank you for your valuable contributions.
Best regards,
