2016

Going back to normal, but how? Re-opening policies and the standards for a new normal

Abstract: Governments implemented to nonpharmacological methods and various limitation policies such as closing nonessential businesses, schools and limiting group gatherings, promoting social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, advising staying at home. These policies have caused various problems in social and economic life and gradual increase in psychosocial well-being problems. All societies yearningly are waiting for the COVID-19 pandemic to be brought under control and the measures to be lifted in order to return to their previous lives. Indicators are needed to assess the burden of disease in the country while lifting measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic. When using these indicators, it is necessary to consider the own characteristics of the countries. Personal precautions need to be continued for a while until vaccination becomes widespread and effective all over the world.Key words: COVID-19, pandemics, prevention and control, measures, policy

PDF

___

1. Bloem JR, Salemi C. COVID-19 and conflict. World Development 2021; 140. doi: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.105294
2. Ceylan RF, Ozkan B, Mulazimogullari E. Historical evidence for economic effects of COVID-19. The European Journal of Health Economics2020; 21 (6): 817-823. doi: 10.1007/s10198- 020-01206-8
3. Doung-Ngern P, Suphanchaimat R, Panjangampatthana A, Janekrongtham C, Ruampoom D et al. Case-Control Study of Use of Personal Protective Measures and Risk for SARS-CoV 2 Infection, Thailand. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2020; 26 (11): 2607-2616. doi: 10.3201/eid2611.203003
4. Chu DK, Akl E A, Duda S, Solo K, Yaacoub S, Schünemann H J et al. Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 2020; 395 (10242): 1973-1987. doi:10.1016/S0140- 6736(20)31142-9
5. Goyal A, Reeves DB, Thakkar N, Famulare M, Cardozo-Ojeda EF et al. Slight reduction in SARS-CoV-2 exposure viral load due to masking results in a significant reduction in transmission with widespread implementation. Scientific Reports. 2021; 11 (1): 11838. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-91338-5
6. Fisher KA, Tenforde MW, Feldstein LR, Lindsell CJ, Shapiro NI et al. Community and close contact exposures associated with COVID-19 among symptomatic adults ≥18 years in 11 outpatient health care facilities — United States, July 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2020; 69: 1258–1264. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6936a5external icon
7. Chang S, Pierson E, Koh PW, Gerardin J, Redbird B et al. Mobility network models of COVID-19 explain inequities and inform reopening. Nature 2021; 589: 82–87. doi:10.1038/ s41586-020-2923-3
8. Di Domenico L, Pullano G, Sabbatini CE, Boëlle PY, Colizza V. Impact of lockdown on COVID-19 epidemic in Île-de-France and possible exit strategies. BMC Medicine 2020; 18 (240): 1-13. doi:10.1186/s12916-020-01698-4
9. Li R, Yang B, Penn J, Houghtaling B, Chen J et al. Perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 infection from event attendance: results from Louisiana, USA, two weeks preceding the national emergency declaration. BMC Public Health. 2020 21;20(1):1922. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-10035-6.
10. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Interim Guidance, Monitoring and evaluation framework for COVID-19 response activities in the EU/EEA and the UK – 17 June 2020. Stockholm, Sweden: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm; 2020.
11. Varela K, Scott B, Prather J, Blau E, Rock P et al. Primary indicators to systematically monitor COVID-19 mitigation and response — Kentucky, May 19–July 15, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2020; 69: 1173–1176. doi: 10.15585/ mmwr.mm6934e3