Operational planning
Reopening Readiness Scanner
This tool blends key indicators recommended by public health agencies to gauge the safety of loosening coronavirus restrictions. It is a simplified score, meant to complement detailed dashboards and local expertise.
CDC “substantial” transmission begins at ≥50 per 100,000 in 7 days.
WHO recommends <5% for sustained reopening.
Percentage fully vaccinated (or up to date) in the catchment population.
Percent capacity remaining after COVID and routine admissions.
Estimated compliance with masking, ventilation, and symptom screening.
Composite score
77
0 (favorable) → 100 (higher risk)
Key metrics
- Incidence: 75 /100k
- Positivity: 4%
- Vaccinated: 68%
Limit occupancy, enforce masking, ventilation, and testing to gradually expand services.
Adjust thresholds to match local health department guidance.
How to Use This Calculator
Collect up-to-date surveillance data
Use recent 7-day averages for incidence and positivity, and verify hospital capacity with local health systems.
Score the community
Higher scores indicate higher risk; keep restrictions or hybrid operations in place until scores improve.
Combine with qualitative decision-making
Engage stakeholders, consider equity impacts, and maintain contingency plans for sudden surges.
Formula
Composite score (0–100) considers:
- Incidence contribution = min(Incidence ÷ 2, 50)
- Positivity contribution = min(Positivity × 5, 25)
- Vaccination, hospital capacity, mitigation each subtract up to 20 points from risk
Lower scores indicate better readiness. Customize weightings to align with local policies.
Full Description
Reopening decisions during a pandemic require balancing public health metrics with economic and social factors. This calculator operationalizes five widely cited indicators: transmission (incidence, positivity), population protection (vaccination), healthcare resilience (hospital capacity), and ongoing mitigations (masking, ventilation).
Scores provide a quick snapshot but must be interpreted in context. Rapid antigen testing availability, variant characteristics, and community vulnerability can shift thresholds. Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders about data sources and decision triggers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the weighting of indicators?
Yes. Adapt the formula to match local risk tolerance or regulatory requirements by editing the weighting in the calculator.
What incidence is considered low?
Many jurisdictions consider <10 cases per 100,000 over 7 days as low, but thresholds vary by region and variant.
How does wastewater surveillance fit in?
Wastewater provides early warning. Incorporate trends qualitatively or develop additional scoring inputs.
Should schools and businesses use the same score?
Baseline metrics are similar, but tolerance for risk differs. Customize thresholds for schools, long-term care, or essential services.