Here's what it means to "flatten the curve."



Think of orange as Italy, or China. A lot of cases, all at once, which overwhelms the hospitals and leads to rationing of health care.

In the blue, the total number of cases are probably about the same. But they are more spread out over time, so there is no shortage of ventilators or hospital beds. And, with a little luck, warm weather and humidity will reduce the number of cases on the back end.

Onward and upward,
airforce