Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: We propose an optimal control framework for mitigating cross-border epidemic spread through testing of incoming travelers. The general model considers multiple countries with SEIR dynamics, while the explicit analysis focuses on a simplified two country SIR system without vaccination. The control variable is a time measurable function representing the testing rate. For the two country SIR case, we show the optimal control is bang bang by excluding singular arcs via Hamiltonian analysis and derive the optimal switching time. Our results offer theoretical insights and practical guidelines for designing cost effective border testing policies. We then present numerical simulations for the optimal control in the two population setting.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Mathematics
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7214093535