In an effort to examine ways to limit the spread of pandemic flu, a study conducted by researchers from Virginia Tech used computer modelling to look at the hypothetical spread of flu in Chicago. The study showed that a vigorous early response could reduce the infection rate by 80 percent. Researchers indicated the federal government would need to confine infected people to their homes, and shut down schools and day-care centers as well as places of public gatherings like bars, restaurants and theatres. Offices and factories would remain open but would operate at reduced capacity due to quarantines and the containment measures would need to be in place for several months until a vaccine could be developed.