Dynamic Resource Allocation to Control Epidemic Outbreaks A Model Predictive Control Approach

Abstract

We consider the problem of dynamically allocating limited resources to control a spreading process over a network using Model Predictive Control (MPC) techniques. In our approach, vaccines and antidotes are iteratively applied at each time step, while simultaneously ensuring that the total expended cost lies within bounds of available resources. Our problem formulation ensures that the spreading dynamics is stabilized with a limited amount of resources. Amongst others, a merit of the dynamic approach is that resources are allocated to specific nodes or regions in the network that need them most at each time instance, while taking into account the future cost of immunization and treatment actions.