How effective are public health measures at reducing the spread of COVID-19?

To stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2, widespread lockdowns have often been used in many countries. These lockdowns not only reduced the spread of the virus, they also saved lives. However, such restrictions are not a long-term solution and can have far-reaching effects not only on the economy but also on mental health and wellbeing.

Several public health measures have also been used around the world as a tool in support of the fight against COVID-19. These include hand washing, physical distancing, and wearing masks. How effective are these public health measures in containing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus?

To find out, the researchers reviewed previous evidence on how effective public health measures were in reducing the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resulting deaths from COVID-19.

The researchers reviewed research studies examining the implementation of public health measures and their effects on virus transmission and mortality rates.

The researchers reported that hand washing, wearing masks, and physical distancing were the public health measures linked to reductions in COVID-19 infections.

In a study of 200 countries, it was reported that countries that have introduced the wearing of masks have decreased the number of deaths related to COVID-19 by 45%.

Using the available data, the researchers were unable to determine the effectiveness of travel restrictions, quarantine, border closings, or school and workplace closings on the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Reference: Talic S, Shah S, Wild H, Gasevic D, Maharaj A, Ademi Z, Li X, Xu W, Mesa-Eguiagaray I, Rostron J, Theodoratou E, Zhang X, Motee A, Liew D, Ilic D. Effectiveness of public health measures to reduce the incidence of Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2 transmission and Covid-19 mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 11/17/2021; 375: e068302. doi: 10.1136 / bmj-2021-068302. PMID: 34789505.

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