Introduction
The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the widespread introduction of social distancing ranging up to full lockdown. As countries are considering scaling back distancing amidst considerable scientific uncertainty, a clear overall strategy for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic is often lacking. Here, we try to conceptualise such a strategy – one that is robust to the uncertainties and to the implicit assumptions behind the various public-health actions proposed. To do that, it is important first to clarify some fundamental facts of the case.