  An epidemiological compartmental model was used to simulate social distancing
strategies to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent a second wave in Sao
Paulo, Brazil. Optimization using genetic algorithm was used to determine the
optimal solutions. Our results suggest the best-case strategy for Sao Paulo is
to maintain or increase the current magnitude of social distancing for at least
60 more days and increase the current levels of personal protection behaviors
by a minimum of 10% (e.g., wearing facemasks, proper hand hygiene and avoid
agglomeration). Followed by a long-term oscillatory level of social distancing
with a stepping-down approach every 80 days over a period of two years with
continued protective behavior.

Populations and Evolution;Physics and Society