What can maths tell us about how to make universities safe from COVID-19?

How can we all get back to work safely in the face of a lingering pandemic?

We all now know about R, but sometimes it can be good to consider another number: the growth rate of an epidemic.

In a previous article we introduced the problems that can arise when combine the reproduction ratios of a disease in different settings, such as hospitals and the community. In this article we dive into the maths that helps you get to the bottom of these problems.

Mathematical models can help the nation return to (some sort of) normality.

Listen to Plus editor Rachel Thomas explain herd immunity on the Guardian Weekly Science podcast.

We explore why you need to be extremely careful when combining the reproduction ratios of a disease in different settings, such as hospitals and the community.

In this podcast we explore the famous curve, talk about how to communicate science in a crisis, and explain the maths of herd immunity in one minute.

What is herd immunity and what does it have to do with a number called R₀?

An urgent call has gone out to the scientific modelling community to help fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Two Cambridge mathematicians are helping to lead the charge.

How do mathematical models of COVID-19 work and should we believe them? We talk to an epidemiologist, who has been working flat out to inform the government, to find out more.

David Spiegelhalter, expert in risk and evidence communication, tells us how well the UK government has done so far communicating about Covid-19.