The basic reproduction number R0
The basic reproduction number R0 of COVID-19 is estimated to be 2.79± 1.16.24 We include this estimate within our model by calculating the maximum eigenvalue of the contact matrix M, and allowing the transmission parameter to vary such that R0 is equal to the maximum eigenvalue of M multiplied by the infectious period μ and the transmission parameter β. This gives the value for the initial basic reproduction number R0, which changes as the contact patterns change as lockdown and other interventions are implemented.