R0 is the expected number of cases generated by one infected case in a susceptible population. Usually derived through mathematical models, it is not a measure

R0 is the expected number of cases generated by one infected case in a susceptible population. Usually derived through mathematical models, it is not a measure / rate of transmittablity or infectivity of the pathogen, but an indicator used to predict severity: R0 <= 1 implies the disease is endemic, otherwise; an epidemic. R0 is dependent on parameters taken into consideration and the model itself. R0 makes sense only in the context laid out by the model. > An R0 of kids crawling over each other in a kindergarten must be different to an retired estate where most people spend their time in their own house. Ref: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22818413 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22818413 > The final R0 is I guess is how all those values average out in a society. See: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_reproduction_number#Notes https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_reproduction_number#No...