10/2—Easing COVID-19 restrictions: an analysis of 9 countries in Asia Pacific and Europe
Many Asian countries, except Japan, promptly did extensive testing, tracing, and isolating of all cases (ie, not just severe cases) from the start of the outbreak, strengthened by innovative surveillance technology, whereas these processes have been considerably delayed in most of Europe, except Germany. Furthermore, confirmed cases are mostly isolated at institutions in Asia rather than at home, such as in Europe (Han et al. 2020).
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Smell and Taste Disorders in COVID-19
Twenty-seven of 32 studies reported a prevalence of loss of smell, taste, or both from a combined sample of 20,451 COVID-19 patients. The estimated global pooled prevalence of loss of smell among 19,424 COVID-19 patients from 27 studies was 48.47% (95% CI, 33.78%-63.29%). Loss of taste was reported in 20 studies and 8001 patients with an estimated pooled prevalence of 41.47% (95% CI, 3.13%-31.03%), while 13 studies that reported combined loss of smell and taste in 5977 COVID-19 patients indicated a pooled prevalence of 35.04% (95% CI, 22.03%-49.26%).
Flight-Associated Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Corroborated by Whole-Genome Sequencing
Eleven passengers with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptom onset within 48 hours of the flight were considered infectious during travel; 9 had recently disembarked from a cruise ship with a retrospectively identified SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. The virus strain of those on the cruise and the flight was linked (A2-RP) and had not been previously identified in Australia. For 11 passengers, none of whom had traveled on the cruise ship, PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 illness developed between 48 hours and 14 days after the flight. Eight cases were considered flight associated with the distinct SARS-CoV-2 A2-RP strain; the remaining 3 cases (1 with A2-RP) were possibly flight associated. All 11 passengers had been in the same cabin with symptomatic persons who had primary, culture-positive, A2-RP cases.
In-flight Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a review of the attack rates and available data on the efficacy of face masks
All peer-reviewed publications of flights with possible transmission are categorized by quantity of transmission. Three mass transmission flights without masking are contrasted to five with strict masking and 58 cases with zero transmission. At present, based on circumstantial data, strict use of masks appears to be protective.
Community Masks During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Filtration Efficacy and Air Resistance
We tested available community masks of major manufactures. Filtration efficacy of the reusable community masks ranged from 34.9% ± 1.25% to 88.7% ± 1.18%. For optimal protection, one should select a rather airtight mask. When selecting a mask, the highest level of tolerable air resistance can be used as a selection criterion.
Get it by email:
Missed an update? View past issues.