The serial interval is the time between symptom onsets in an
infector–infectee pair. The generation time, also known as the generation
interval, is the time between infection events in an infector–infectee pair.
The serial interval and the generation time are key parameters for assessing
the dynamics of a disease. A number of scientific papers reported
information pertaining to the serial interval and/or generation time for
COVID-19.
Objective
Conduct a review of available evidence to advise on appropriate
parameter values for serial interval and generation time in national
COVID-19 transmission models for Ireland and on methodological issues
relating to those parameters.
Methods
We conducted a rapid review of the literature covering the period 1
January 2020 and 21 August 2020, following predefined eligibility
criteria. Forty scientific papers met our inclusion criteria and were
included in the review.
Results
The mean of the serial interval ranged from 3.03 to 7.6 days, based
on 38 estimates, and the median from 1.0 to 6.0 days (based on 15
estimates). Only three estimates were provided for the mean of the
generation time. These ranged from 3.95 to 5.20 days. One estimate of
5.0 days was provided for the median of the generation time.
Discussion
Estimates of the serial interval and the generation time are very
dependent on the specific factors that apply at the time that the data
are collected, including the level of social contact. Consequently, the
estimates may not be entirely relevant to other environments. Therefore,
local estimates should be obtained as soon as possible. Careful
consideration should be given to the methodology that is used. Real-time
estimations of the serial interval/generation time, allowing for
variations over time, may provide more accurate estimates of
reproduction numbers than using conventionally fixed serial
interval/generation time distributions.
An empirical estimate of the generation time of mouse lemurs
