8/5—Was school closure effective in mitigating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
We used daily data of the COVID-19 and coronavirus infection incidence in Japan until March 31, 2020. The mean coefficient α for effectiveness of the measure was calculated to be 0.08 (95% confidence interval -0.36 to 0.65), and the actual reported cases were more than predicted. School closure carried out in Japan did not show any mitigating effect on transmission (Iwata et al. 2020).
Is loss of sense of smell a diagnostic marker in COVID‐19: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has been shown to be the strongest predictor of COVID‐19 positivity when compared to other symptoms. In patients who had tested positive for COVID‐19 there was a prevalence of 62% of OD. In populations of patients who are currently reporting OD there is a positive predictive value of 61% for a positive COVID‐19 result. Our review has shown that there is already significant evidence which demonstrates an association between OD and the novel coronavirus.
Effects of policies and containment measures on control of COVID-19 epidemic in Chongqing
As of March 15, the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in Chongqing was 1.84/100000 (576 cases) and the infection fatality rate was 1.04% (6/576). Policies such as “the lockdown of Wuhan”, “initiating a first-level response to major public health emergencies”, and “implementing the closed management of residential communities” significantly curbed the spread of COVID-19.
Utility of Repeat Testing for COVID-19: Lab Stewardship When the Stakes are High
Two patients out of 275 tested positive from an nasopharyngeal swab on serial testing after an initial negative result. We found little benefit of repeat testing in patients who presented early in their illness and have [limited] testing to a single nasopharyngeal swab sample in most cases.
City of Vancouver COVID-19 Safety Plan
This Plan addresses physical distancing followed by engineering controls, administrative controls and lastly, personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce transmission. The application of these control measures will assist in mitigating potential hazards to maintain a safe workplace.
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