COVID-19: Weighing the Endeavors of Nations, with Time to Event Analysis

• Published in: Osong public health and research perspectives Vol. 11; no. 4; pp. 149 - 157
• Main Authors: Stephen, Shine, Issac, Alwin, Jacob, Jaison, Vijay, V R, Radhakrishnan, Rakesh Vadakkethil, Krishnan, Nadiya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 01.08.2020; Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency; 질병관리본부
• Subjects: coronavirus; covid-19; pandemic; quarantine; Review; screening; 예방의학; COVID-19; coronavirus; screening; quarantine; pandemic
• ISSN: 2210-9099; 2233-6052; 2210-9110
• DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2020.11.4.02

The cataclysmic COVID-19 pandemic erupted silently causing colossal impact worldwide, the repercussions of which indicated a lackadaisical vigilance in preparation for such a pandemic. This review assessed the measures taken by nations to contain this pandemic. A literature review was conducted using Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and WHO website. There were 8 nations (selected from the GHS index list) appraised for containment strategies. This was achieved by using mortality rate (per million) as the primary endpoint. The nations which were proactive, initiated scientific strategies earlier with rigor, appeared to have succeeded in containing the pandemic, although it is still too early to arbitrate a verdict. The so called "pandemic war" mandates international, interdisciplinary, and interdepartmental collaboration. Furthermore, building trust and confidence between the government and the public, having transparent communication, information sharing, use of advanced research-technology, and plentiful resources are required in the fight against COVID-19.