Lockdowns may have averted three million deaths in Europe by curbing COVID-19 - study

FILE PHOTO: A view shows the deserted Grands Boulevards in Paris during a lockdown imposed to slow the rate of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in France, March 27, 2020. Picture taken March 27, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Wide-scale lockdowns including shop and school closures have reduced COVID-19 transmission rates in Europe enough to control its spread and may have averted more than three million deaths, researchers said on Monday.

In a modelling study of lockdown impact in 11 nations, Imperial College London scientists said the draconian steps, imposed mostly in March, had "a substantial effect" and helped bring the infection's reproductive rate below one by early May.