Wearing masks in public places is increasingly seen as having an important contribution to containing the spread of COVID-19 as countries transition out of lockdown measures, especially when physical distancing is not always possible.
Read more “What are the policies on wearing facemasks in public places?”
COVID-19 spreads through inhalation of small droplets from the coughing or sneezing of people who are infected, as well as through touching contaminated surfaces. Hence, public health measures in the form of isolation and quarantine of confirmed and suspected cases are key to preventing the further spread of the virus.
Read more “How do measures for isolation, quarantine, and contact tracing differ among countries?”
Many countries around the world are currently planning measures for re-opening their economies in the wake of the first wave of coronavirus, or for that matter taking them. There is little sign of coordination or a common approach to this difficult problem.
Read more “How are countries getting out of lockdown?”
In order to know when to lift or impose restrictions, governments need good data and the ability to interpret it.
Read more “How will governments know when to lift and impose restrictions?”
Creating a strategic plan to manage coronavirus is only part of the battle. A number of mediating factors govern the extent to which strategic plans will actually be effective.
Read more “What do governments need to consider as they implement transition plans?”
Digital health tools are playing a central role in responding to COVID-19; some are established tools, some are existing tools being used in new ways, and increasingly there is attention to developing specific new digital health tools to respond to the pandemic.
Read more “How are countries using digital health tools in responding to COVID-19?”
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have been advised by WHO to expand testing in order to detect COVID-19 cases early, ensure their isolation, trace and isolate their contacts, and determine the epidemiological situation as accurately as possible.
Read more “How do COVID-19 testing criteria differ across countries?”
Available evidence indicates that while anyone can become infected and become ill with COVID-19, older people and those with chronic conditions are most susceptible to serious complications or death. This raises important questions, a priori, about the vulnerability of European populations to COVID-19 based on their age-demographics and disease.
Read more “How susceptible are European countries based on age-demographics and disease prevalence?”