scholarly journals Controlling the cascade of corona

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muneeba Azmat
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
First Case ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The pandemic of the 2019 novel Coronavirus has seen unprecedented exponential growth. Within three months, 192 countries have been affected, crossing more than 1 million confirmed cases and over 60 thousand deaths until the first week of April. Decision making in such a pandemic becomes difficult due to limited data on the nature of the disease and its propagation, course, prevention, and treatment. The pandemic response has varied from country to country and has resulted in a heterogeneous timeline for novel Coronavirus propagation. We compared the public health measures taken by various countries and the potential impact on the spread. We studied 6 countries including China, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom(UK), United States(US), and the special administrative region of Hong Kong. All articles, press releases, and websites of government entities published over a five-month period were included. A comparison of the date of the first diagnosed case, the spread of disease, and time since the first case and major public health policy implemented for prevention and containment and current cases was done. An emphasis on early and aggressive border restriction and surveillance of travelers from infected areas, use of information technology, and social distancing is necessary for control of the novel pandemic. Moving forwards, improvement in infrastructure, and adequate preparedness for pandemics is required.

Curating the Evidence About COVID-19 for Frontline Public Health and Clinical Care: The Novel Coronavirus Research Compendium

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492110587
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Redd ◽  
Lauren S. Peetluk ◽  
Brooke A. Jarrett ◽  
Colleen Hanrahan ◽  
Sheree Schwartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Successful Model ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
Public Consumption ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The public health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a deluge of scientific research aimed at informing the public health and medical response to the pandemic. However, early in the pandemic, those working in frontline public health and clinical care had insufficient time to parse the rapidly evolving evidence and use it for decision-making. Academics in public health and medicine were well-placed to translate the evidence for use by frontline clinicians and public health practitioners. The Novel Coronavirus Research Compendium (NCRC), a group of >60 faculty and trainees across the United States, formed in March 2020 with the goal to quickly triage and review the large volume of preprints and peer-reviewed publications on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 and summarize the most important, novel evidence to inform pandemic response. From April 6 through December 31, 2020, NCRC teams screened 54 192 peer-reviewed articles and preprints, of which 527 were selected for review and uploaded to the NCRC website for public consumption. Most articles were peer-reviewed publications (n = 395, 75.0%), published in 102 journals; 25.1% (n = 132) of articles reviewed were preprints. The NCRC is a successful model of how academics translate scientific knowledge for practitioners and help build capacity for this work among students. This approach could be used for health problems beyond COVID-19, but the effort is resource intensive and may not be sustainable in the long term.

scholarly journals Lessons earned and lessons learned: What should be done next to counter the COVID-19 infodemic?

European View ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-163
Author(s):  
Nad’a Kovalčíková ◽  
Ariane Tabatabai
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Societal Challenges ◽  
The World ◽  
Information Manipulation ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

As governments and citizens around the world have struggled with the novel coronavirus, the information space has turned into a battleground. Authoritarian countries, including Russia, China and Iran, have spread disinformation on the causes of and responses to the pandemic. The over-abundance of information, also referred to as an ‘infodemic’, including manipulated information, has been both a cause and a result of the exacerbation of the public health crisis. It is further undermining trust in democratic institutions, the independent press, and facts and data, and exacerbating the rising tensions driven by economic, political and societal challenges. This article discusses the challenges democracies have faced and the measures they have adopted to counter information manipulation that impedes public health efforts. It draws seven lessons learned from the information war and offers a set of recommendations on tackling future infodemics related to public health.

scholarly journals Facemask shortage and the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak: Reflections on public health measures

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 100329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huai-liang Wu ◽  
Jian Huang ◽  
Casper J.P. Zhang ◽  
Zonglin He ◽  
Wai-Kit Ming
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

scholarly journals Isolation, quarantine, social distancing and community containment: pivotal role for old-style public health measures in the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Wilder-Smith ◽  
D O Freedman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pivotal Role ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Movement Restriction ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Public health measures were decisive in controlling the SARS epidemic in 2003. Isolation is the separation of ill persons from non-infected persons. Quarantine is movement restriction, often with fever surveillance, of contacts when it is not evident whether they have been infected but are not yet symptomatic or have not been infected. Community containment includes measures that range from increasing social distancing to community-wide quarantine. Whether these measures will be sufficient to control 2019-nCoV depends on addressing some unanswered questions.

scholarly journals COVID-19 denial in Turkmenistan veiling the real situation

2022 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashim Talib Hashim ◽  
Ahed El Abed El Rassoul ◽  
John Bchara ◽  
Attaullah Ahmadi ◽  
Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
Keyword(s):  
Human Life ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Real Situation ◽  
The Real ◽  
The Public ◽  
Unethical Practices ◽  
First Case ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
The Government ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in late 2019, with the first case identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, on 12 December 2019. In order to perceive the comprehensive impact of this pandemic, we have to know that misinformation and denials about COVID-19 have surely exacerbated its diffusion and hindered the response against it. Turkmenistan remains one of the very few countries in the world that lacks reports about emerging cases of the novel coronavirus. Turkmen authorities claim that they have adopted all attainable measures required in order to combat the virus, asserting that COVID-19 has yet to reach their country. Despite the government’s reported absence of COVID-19 in the country, rumors, media reports and independent sources suggest the spread of the pandemic in Turkmenistan. By mid-June 2020, the outbreak was referred to as being serious with patients suffering extreme health risks, and following its state of disrepair and unethical practices, many of those anticipated to be COVID-19 infected tend to suffer at home, discouraging any interaction with the healthcare system. The civil society in Turkmenistan, for the time being, takes full part of the government’s duty in the process of informing and educating the public regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and endeavors to keep the government and WHO accountable for behaving in such repressive ways that could lead to rather preventable loss of human life in Turkmenistan. Yet, efforts hang fire before unveiling the real situation, and Turkmenistan’s government owning up to the negations and roaming speculations, not only regarding the coronavirus crisis, but every public-related issue itself.

scholarly journals Perceptions of the Adult US Population regarding the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
SarahAnn M. McFadden ◽  
Amyn A. Malik ◽  
Obianuju G. Aguolu ◽  
Kathryn S. Willebrand ◽  
Saad B. Omer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Leadership ◽  
The Us ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Public Health Leadership

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 outbreak is spreading globally. Although the risk of infection in the US is currently low, it is important to understand the public perception of risk and trust in sources of information to better inform public health messaging. In this study, we surveyed the adult US population to understand their risk perceptions about the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods and FindingsWe used an online platform to survey 718 adults in the US in early February 2020 using a questionnaire that we developed. Our sample was fairly similar to the general adult US population in terms of age, gender, race, ethnicity and education. We found that 69% of the respondents wanted the scientific/public health leadership (either the CDC Director or NIH Director) to lead the US response to COVID-19 outbreak as compared to 14% who wanted the political leadership (either the president or the Congress) to lead the response. Risk perception was low (median score of 5 out of 10) with the respondents trusting health professionals and health officials for information on COVID-19. Majority of the respondents were in favor of strict infection prevention policies to control the outbreak.ConclusionGiven our results, the public health/scientific leadership should be at the forefront of the COVID-19 response to promote trust.

scholarly journals Breaking down of the healthcare system: Mathematical modelling for controlling the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in Wuhan, China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wai-Kit Ming ◽  
Jian Huang ◽  
Casper J. P. Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Actual Number ◽  
The Public ◽  
Diagnosis Rate ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Available Information

AbstractA novel coronavirus pneumonia initially identified in Wuhan, China and provisionally named 2019-nCoV has surged in the public. In anticipation of substantial burdens on healthcare system following this human-to-human spread, we aim to scrutinise the currently available information and evaluate the burden of healthcare systems during this outbreak in Wuhan. We applied a modified SIR model to project the actual number of infected cases and the specific burdens on isolation wards and intensive care units, given the scenarios of different diagnosis rates as well as different public health intervention efficacy. Our estimates suggest the actual number of infected cases could be much higher than the reported, with estimated 26,701 cases (as of 28th January 2020) assuming 50% diagnosis rate if no public health interventions were implemented. The estimated burdens on healthcare system could be largely reduced if at least 70% efficacy of public health intervention is achieved.

scholarly journals Policy Decisions and Response to Fight 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease in Uganda: A review of Attributes, Comprehensiveness and Implications to Improve Resilience to Future Pandemics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Kiwanuka ◽  
Shafik Waswa ◽  
Yisak Hagos Alemayehu ◽  
Joel Abrahams Simbeye
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Laboratory Manual ◽  
The Public ◽  
First Case ◽  
Response Plan ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Uganda experiences recurrent epidemics. However, policies enacted to prevent or prepare for future epidemics remain unclear. This paper reviews policies that are shaping responses to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Uganda. An integrative systematic review approach using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was adopted. Databases including organizational websites, bibliographical databases, and newsletters were searched for records on policies addressing response to COVID-19. Quality appraisal was conducted using the von Wright’s logic of events framework and the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation) checklist. A descriptive qualitative narrative approach was used for data analysis. Fifteen papers are included in this review. Uganda’s preparedness to COVID-19 was initiated before the first case was identified on 21 March 2020. Most documents included in our final analysis were soft policy (nonstatutory) documents (n=10). MoH implemented four public orders: notification of COVID-19; prohibition of entry into Uganda; control of COVID-19; prevention of COVID-19; requirements and conditions of entry into Uganda. In addition, the office of the president implemented three directives as of 08 May 2020; the initial directive included preparatory instructions to the public and ministries before the first case of COVID-19 was registered. Subsequently, three other presidential directives were established; two of these instituted lockdown measures while one instituted the first phase of releasing some lockdown measures. Soft policies identified in this review included guidelines (n=4); press releases (n=4) and mitigation measures. Three out of the four guidelines were clinical practice guidelines, these include quarantine of individuals in the context of containment of COVID-19, COVID-19 preparedness and response plan-laboratory manual, and national guidelines for management of COVID-19 patients.Conclusion: Uganda has experience built from response to previous epidemics. Uganda has robust policies in place to respond to COVID-19. Comprehensive Policies integrating human capital, research and economical aspects of an epidemic can increase and better prepare Uganda for future.

scholarly journals Antibody Responses to Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection or after COVID-19 Vaccination

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 910
Author(s):  
Haya Altawalah
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Protective Capacity ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Vaccination Strategies ◽  
First Case ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the causative agent of the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The clinical severity of COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic to critical disease and, eventually, death in smaller subsets of patients. The first case of COVID-19 was declared at the end of 2019 and it has since spread worldwide and remained a challenge in 2021, with the emergence of variants of concern. In fact, new concerns were the still unclear situation of SARS-CoV-2 immunity during the ongoing pandemic and progress with vaccination. If maintained at sufficiently high levels, the immune response could effectively block reinfection, which might confer long-lived protection. Understanding the protective capacity and the duration of humoral immunity during SARS-CoV-2 infection or after vaccination is critical for managing the pandemic and would also provide more evidence about the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. However, the exact features of antibody responses that govern SARS-CoV-2 infection or after vaccination remain unclear. This review summarizes the main knowledge that we have about the humoral immune response during COVID-19 disease or after vaccination. Such knowledge should help to optimize vaccination strategies and public health decisions.

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