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Recently, “Object to Human” transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 with cold chain food as the medium has been confirmed by the frequent occurrence of Covid-19 infected patients who are practitioners of global cold chain logistics. The effective disinfection for cold chain food is the key to cut off this transmission route. However, there are great challenges to achieve the goal, due to the extremely massive commodities involved in global cold chain logistics of food, and the need to conduct disinfection at the temperature below freezing point. To solve this problem, in this study, a system of multi-stage barriers for virus transmission is established by making targeted disinfection strategies for five key steps throughout the whole life cycle of cold chain food (i.e. cold chain processing, refrigerated warehouse storage, refrigerated transportation and distribution, refrigerated retail, post-consumption). Moreover, the comparison of various disinfection methods which can be applied in the system is made to clarify the green disinfection. Conclusively, the cumulative disinfection for cold chain food provided by this system will play an important role on the normalized epidemic prevention and control.

In September of 2020, the Iowa Department of Public Health released guidance stating that persons exposed to someone with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) need not quarantine if the case-patient and the contact wore face masks at the time of exposure. This guidance differed from that issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To determine the best action, we matched exposure information from COVID-19 case investigations with reported test results and calculated the secondary attack rates (SARs) after masked and unmasked exposures. Mask use by both parties reduced the SAR by half, from 25.6% to 12.5%. Longer exposure duration significantly increased SARs. Masks significantly reduced virus transmission when worn by both the case-patient and the contact, but SARs for each group were higher than anticipated. This finding suggests that quarantine after COVID-19 exposure is beneficial even if parties wore masks.

This paper aims at identifying the Covid-19 infection and mortality risk factors in Brazil during the pandemic's first wave. Three groups of variables are considered: socioeconomic and health vulnerabilities, factors related to the virus transmission channels (mobility and density) and the effects of the policy responses. The analysis at the level of all 5,570 municipalities, drawing on a matching of different statistical and administrative databases, returns three main results. First, structurally vulnerable populations are hardest hit-non-white, poor, in poor health, favela residents and informal workers-showing the impact of socioeconomic inequalities. Second, we highlight some policy repercussions. The Auxilio Emergencial (emergency cash transfer) has had a mitigating effect in communities with relatively more informal workers. Finally, Covid-19 has hit hardest in municipalities that are more pro-Bolsonaro. The president's rhetoric and attitudes may have prompted his supporters to adopt more risky behaviour, suffer the consequences and infect others. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1057/s41287-021-00487-w.

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the cruise sector with an initial global shutdown and ongoing patchy resumption, widespread reporting of virus transmission onboard and billions of dollars in econo...

COVID 19 pandemic is causing a global health epidemic. The most powerful safety tool is wearing a face mask in public places and everywhere else. The COVID 19 outbreak forced governments around the world to implement lockdowns to deter virus transmission. According to survey reports, wearing a face mask at public places reduces the risk of transmission significantly. In this paper, an IoT-enabled smart door that uses a machine learning model for monitoring body temperature and face mask detection. The proposed model can be used for any shopping mall, hotel, apartment entrance, etc. As an outcome a cost-effective and reliable method of using AI and sensors to build a healthy environment. Evaluation of the proposed framework is done by the Face Mask Detection algorithm using the TensorFlow software library. Besides, the body temperature of the individual is monitored using a non-contact temperature sensor. This proposed system can detect the users from COVID 19 by enabling the Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Surgical plume (SP) carries biological risks such as virus transmission. An evacuation system can remove SP from the surgical field, but is it safe to release evacuated gas into the operating room (OR) atmosphere? We examined this using a commercially available evacuator equipped with a filter under a laparoscopic porcine surgery model. SP was generated by activating an electrocautery or ultrasonic scalpel on the surface of the liver, and we evaluated whether DNA fragments derived from porcine tissue were present in the exhausted gas from the evacuation system into the atmosphere. DNA fragments were detected in the inlet gas of the evacuation system, while it was not detected in the outlet gas. As far as pathogen transmission via SP in the abdominal cavity is concerned, if the smoke evacuator ensures filter adsorption, it seems that there is little risk in releasing the suction gas into the atmosphere in the OR.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease worldwide. It can be transmitted from person to person, and the fatality rate is very high. During this study, three SFTS clusters including 12 associated cases were identified in three counties in Zhejiang Province from 2018 to 2020. The median age of the three index patients was 70 years, and that of secondary case patients was 59 years. Of note, the mortality rate of the index patients was 100%. The mortality rate of secondary case patients was 11%. The total secondary attack rate (SAR) was 30% (9/30). The SARs of cluster A, cluster B, and cluster C were 38% (3/8), 21% (3/14), and 38% (3/8), respectively. Additionally, the interval from onset to diagnosis was 4 days. The intervals from disease onset to confirmation of the index cases and secondary cases were 7 days and 4 days, respectively. All secondary case patients had a history of close contact with blood or body fluids of the index patients. These results indicate that SFTS patients should not be discharged until recovery. When SFTS patients die, the corpses should be transferred directly from the hospital to the crematorium for cremation by persons wearing proper protective equipment to prevent virus transmission.

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated digitalisation efforts in many countries as they try to contain the virus. With the physical handling of cash posing as a potential virus transmission risk, digital payments have become important in the urgent transition to a cashless society and a key feature of smart city projects. Critical analyses have typically framed smart cities as neoliberalist developmental projects that see the partnering of the state with private corporations. However, it is unclear how the smart city emerges under the technocratic inclinations of the developmental state. Focusing on the digital payments project under Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, this paper unpacks the discursive practices employed in mobilising citizen support for electronic payments through a critical analysis of publicly available government materials and recent initiatives. The discourse surrounding digital payments is bound up in narratives surrounding economic competitiveness, technological progress and public health and safety, and strongly rooted in a technocratic governance ethos that limits genuine citizen participation in shaping smart payments technologies. This paper argues that such discursive framings represent a missed opportunity to build a smart city that is truly citizen-centric. This reorientation requires more bottom-up and grassroots-based modes of governance that reformulate smart citizenship into one that pays greater attention to the affective and social contexts behind digital technologies.

This paper studies the effect of the economic impact payment (EIP) on individual contributions to COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the USA, where the mitigation efforts are measured by the reduction of daily human mobility. I empirically estimate the effect of the EIP in April 2020 and use cellphone GPS data of 45 million smartphone devices as a proxy for human mobility across 216,069 Census Block Groups. The results show that when receiving the EIP, households significantly increased “Median Home Dwell Time” by an average of 3–5% (about 26–45 min). The paper highlights this unintended effect of the EIP, namely, that in addition to providing economic assistance, the EIP also helped increase individual contributions to mitigation efforts that slowed COVID-19 virus transmission in early 2020. Supplementary Information The online version supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00181-021-02117-0.

Polymers play versatile roles in the pandemic. They range from personal protective equipment with goggles and visors made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC), to mouth-nose coverings with inner layers of fine, melt-blown polypropylene fleece, and finally to swabs made of polystyrene and nylon or viscose that are used in diagnostics. BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA vaccines, which were the first to be approved as corona vaccines in Europe, are based on sequence-defined polyanions, which can easily and rapidly be produced and adapted to occurring virus mutations. Consequently, there will be no quick end to the pandemic without the use of polymers. Polymers are not only indispensable in this pandemic in personal protective equipment, diagnostics and ultimately in therapy. The research in antiviral materials that was spurred during the COVID-19 pandemic may position us well for future pandemics. Self-sterilizing masks are already commercially available and, because they are reusable, have the advantage of requiring far fewer masks to be procured than is the case with disposable masks. This could avoid future mask shortages. Antiviral surface coatings, which can be activated by external stimuli such as sunlight, can help to reduce the viral load on frequently touched surfaces and help to prevent virus transmission. In addition, peptide-polymer conjugates offer the opportunity to further optimize mRNA vaccines. Because these conjugates can be tailored to target immune cells, they reduce the risk of allergic reactions and side effects, which in turn could result in greater acceptance in the population and increase the willingness to get vaccinated.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the institution of strict public health measures aimed at reducing virus transmission. This coincided with a well-documented alteration to the frequency and characteristics of maxillofacial trauma presentations. The aim was to examine the incidence and characteristics of maxillofacial trauma at a large tertiary hospital in the United Kingdom to determine whether these previously reported changes persisted after the relaxation of COVID-19 “lockdown” legislation. Method: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who sustained a facial injury during the 8-week period of 16th March 2020 to 11th May 2020 (strict COVID lockdown) compared to the 11th May 2020 to 6th July 2020 (relaxation of COVID lockdown). Cohorts were compared on the incidence and characteristics of facial injury. Results: Compared to the peak of COVID-19 lockdown, the subsequent period during which these laws were eased saw an increase in the frequency of maxillofacial trauma presentations (n = 78 vs n = 37). Despite this absolute increase, the incidence remained statistically below seasonal expectation. Operative management remained persistently low (45% in 2020 vs 67% in 2019). Conclusion: This is the first study to report the characteristics of facial trauma after the easing of COVID-19 lockdown legislation. Compared to previously published reports from Australia, there has not yet been a clear return to baseline epidemiology in the UK, perhaps reflecting the severity of the pandemic in that region.

Kurangnya kepedulian dalam melakukan tindakan pencegahan merupakan penyebab utama meningkatnya jumlah kasus terinfeksi virus Covid-19 baik masyarakat maupun tenaga medis. Banyak diantara masyarakat yang tidak menerapkan kepatuhan dalam menggunakan masker saat di luar rumah dan kurang menjaga kebersihan diri serta lingkungan tempat tinggalnya. Sebagian besar alasan yang diberikan adalah karena terbatasnya jumlah masker yang beredar, mahalnya harga masker dan cairan pembersih yang mengandung antiseptik, masker kain yang beredar tidak standar. Puskesmas Biaro merupakan salah satu Puskesmas rujukan bagi pasien terinfeksi Covid-19. Sehingga lingkungan ini sangat rentan menjadi tempat penularan virus. Namun pada kenyataannya, masih banyak pengunjungnya yang tidak menggunakan masker dengan benar, tidak pernah membersihkan rumahnya maupun benda-benda yang rawan menjadi tempat menempatinya virus untuk dibersihkan menggunakan cairan disinfektan. Tujuan dari kegiatan edukasi ini adalah untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan masyarakat terutama pengunjung puskesmas untuk dapat membuat masker dan cairan disinfektan sendiri di rumah sebagai langkah memutuskan mata rantai penularan virus Covid 19. Metode kegiatan dengan melakukan penyuluhan secara langsung. Berdasarkan hasil pretest dan post-test didapatkan adanya perbedaan pengetahuan signifikan (p-value = 0,002) antara pengetahuan peserta sebelum dengan sesudah diberikan edukasi. Serta setelah diberikan penyuluhan dan dilakukan pemantauan, didapatkan 5 dari 7 peserta yang di pantau telah menerapkan hasil edukasi dalam kehidupan sehari-harinya. Kesimpulan, kegiatan edukasi ini sangat bermanfaat, memberikan solusi yang mudah serta murah, dan mampu dilakukan langsung oleh peserta.

Background/aim Analysis of the characteristics of influenza virus in imported cases in Guangxi province of China. Materials and methods Throat swabs of imported cases with influenza-like symptoms were detected by real-time PCR from July 2016 to December 2019. Results 1292 laboratory detections of influenza were reported in 3974 influenza-like cases, of which 71.67% (926) were influenza A. The ratio of test positive was 32.82%. The proportion of detections of influenza B was 28.33% (366). A total of 70.51% of the cases mostly came from Vietnam (911). A total of 86.76% (1121) of the cases were imported from Dongxing Port, Nanning Airport, and Pingxiang Port. There was no statistical difference in all age groups. At the same time, 3 of the untyped A-type specimens were sequenced by next- generation sequencing. Among them, the sequences of 2 specimens from Vietnam had high homology with the influenza strain H3N2 in Hong Kong in 2017. The specimen sequence from Thailand is highly homologous to the influenza pandemic strain H1N1 in Brisbane, Australia in 2018. Conclusion Imported influenza cases in Guangxi have occurred throughout the year, with higher numbers in winter and spring. The cases mostly came from Vietnam with influenza A. Relevant measures should be taken to control the further spread of the virus.

Atualmente, vive-se uma pandemia mundial e, por outro lado, o Brasil enfrenta a questão da universalização do saneamento básico. Este artigo apresenta as influências do surgimento de pandemias nos tratamentos de águas residuárias e na universalização do saneamento. Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura mostrando as principais formas de transmissão dos vírus e explica o motivo da preocupação sobre a transmissão das doenças através das águas residuárias, além de apresentar as maneiras para mitigar o problema da transmissão fecal-oral e fecal-inalatória. Apresenta também as consequências da contaminação das águas residuárias por antivirais ingeridos para tratamento de doenças durante as pandemias. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, o maior problema enfrentado é a falta de saneamento básico em muitos locais do Brasil. Se a universalização do saneamento já existisse, a população estaria mais protegida em relação a pandemia e teria uma forma de monitoramento para auxiliar no combate contra o vírus. Sendo assim, é imprescindível que os responsáveis pelos serviços de saneamento façam o tratamento adequado das águas residuárias para inativação do vírus. Para que isto ocorra o governo nos seus diversos níveis precisa fazer o seu papel de regular, investir e fiscalizar exigindo melhorias.

Coronavirus and its spread all over the world have been the most challenging crisis in 2020. Hospitals are categorized among the most vulnerable centers due to their presumably highest traffic of this virus. In this study, centrifugal isolation of coronavirus is successfully deployed for purifying hospitals’ air using air conditioners and ducts, suggesting an efficient setup. Numerical simulations have been used to testify the proposed setup due to the complexities of using experimental investigation such as high cost and clinical hazards of the airborne SARS-CoV-2 in the air. Results show that a 20-cm pipe with an inlet velocity of 4 m/s constitutes the best choice for the separation and purification of air from the virus. The proposed scalable method also efficiently separates larger particles, but it can separate smaller particles too. Numerical results also suggest installing the air purifying system on the floor of the hospitals’ room for maximum efficiency.

This study analyzes the phenomenon of the first case of Covid-19 transmission in Indonesia and its impact on the capital market in Indonesia. This study aims to test whether there is a negative PCAD pattern after the first announcement of the covid-19 virus transmission case on the Indonesian capital market and to prove that the Indonesian capital market experienced a significant decline in returns after the first announcement period of the covid-19 virus transmission. Stocks that are included as LQ45 stocks are being utilized and event study is the method to analyze the market response during the window period (t-10, t+10) and uses the independent sample t-test to compare the average abnormal return. mean (AAR) and mean cumulative abnormal return (CAAR). The results of this study indicate that the market takes a wait & see strategy, PCAD shows the form of a negative sign after the event and there is a difference between AAR and CAAR 10-days before and 10-days after the event. Overall, this research shows that the market has responded negatively to information related to the Covid-19 virus.

Indonesia has confirmed its first case of Covid-19 transmission on March 2, 2020 and since then the transmission of the virus has become more widespread and has created new epicenters. The epicenter always involves a crowd, including in labor-intensive factory areas. This research method uses quantitative-descriptive. Companies that operating labor-intensive require the involvement of large numbers of people. In the production process, the distance between workers is not far apart, thus increasing the risk of virus transmission. The latest case in September 2020, 150 employees of a factory in the city of Purbalingga tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. It is strongly suspected that transmission occurs in the work area through asymptomatic labor. With the continued occurrence of Covid-19 transmission in industrial areas, this article aims to submit a proposal for the application of a risk mitigation design for the risk of Covid-19 transmission in labor-intensive industries using the FMEA method, which includes the layout of the work area, the flow of human movement in the factory area, and the application of health protocols in the hope of helping labor-intensive industries in suppressing and preventing the transmission of Covid-19

Graphical abstract It is important to know whether SARS-CoV-2 is spread through the air conditioning systems. Taking the central air conditioning system as an example, we analyze the mechanism and potential health risk of respiratory virus transmission in air-conditioned rooms and propose a method to study the risk of virus transmission in central air conditioning systems by investigating the data from medical experiments. The virus carrying capacity and the decay characteristics of indoor pathogen droplets are studied in this research. Additionally, the effects of air temperature and relative humidity on the virus survival in the air or on surfaces are investigated. The removal efficiency of infectious droplet nuclei by using an air conditioning filter was then determined. Thus, the transmission risk during the operation of the centralized air conditioning system is evaluated. The results show that the indoor temperature and humidity are controlled in the range of 20–25 °C and 40–70% by central air conditioning during the epidemic period, which not only benefits the health and comfort of residents, but also weakens the vitality of the virus. The larger the droplet size, the longer the viruses survive. Since the filter efficiency of the air conditioning filter increases with the increase in particle size, increasing the number of air changes of the circulating air volume can accelerate the removal of potential pathogen particles. Therefore, scientific operation of centralized air conditioning systems during the epidemic period has more advantages than disadvantages.

Introduction: As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses around the world, the universal use of face masks imposes itself as a measure to mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and is currently recommended by the World Health Organization. However, its effectiveness as a method of preventing COVID- 19 is still controversial. Objective: To review the literature on the universal use of facial masks, including fabric ones, and their recommendations for use. Methods: Narrative review of published studies on the topic. Results: Face masks act predominantly as a source control mechanism, as they capture the droplets expelled by the user when speaking, coughing or sneezing, protecting other people and the environment from contamination by potentially infecting droplets. Evidence of the effectiveness of its universal use as a method of mitigating epidemics of viral respiratory infections is derived from experimental studies and mathematical models. Proper use of facial masks is essential to ensure their effectiveness and prevent damage, and includes covering the nose, mouth and chin, washing the fabric masks with soap and water after use and hand hygiene several times a day, especially when handling the mask. Conclusions: The universal use of facial masks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is justified, especially considering the occurrence of virus transmission in the pre-symptomatic period, and should be adopted in conjunction with other measures such as adequate social distance and hygiene from the hands, following the motto “I protect you and you protect me”.

The COVID-19 pandemic has an adverse effect on the environment. This epidemic’s effect on the waste composition and management and the impacts of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) on disease transmission or controlling are considered a compelling experience of living in the COVID-19 pandemic that can effectively control the process. This systematic review research was conducted to determine the effects of COVID-19 on the quantity of waste and MSWM. Searches were conducted in three databases (using keywords covid 19, coronaviruses, and waste), and among the published articles from 2019 to 2021, 56 ones were selected containing information on the quantity and waste management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that COVID-19 caused the quantity variation and composition change of MSW. COVID-19 also has significant effects on waste recycling, medical waste management, quantity, and littered waste composition. On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed waste compounds’ management activities and waste generation sources. Recognizing these issues can help plan MSWM more efficiently and reduce virus transmission risk through waste.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus imposes a higher risk of complications and mortality among people with mental disorders. Until widely available vaccines, adherence to preventive behaviours remains the most crucial tool to prevent SARS/COVID-19 virus transmission. Our review focuses on the determinants of adherence behaviours. RECENT FINDINGS: Adherence behaviours include the use of a face mask and protective gloves, personal hygienic behaviours (handwashing or using hand sanitiser), and keeping physical distance and avoiding social gatherings. In almost all studies, males and younger people show less adherence. Risk perception and health beliefs (especially perceived severity of COVID-19 related conditions) can explain the sex and age differences in adherence. Studies covering the impact of mental disorders on adherence are surprisingly missing, with the exception of smoking. SUMMARY: Engaging men and young people in adopting preventive behaviours is crucial in protecting the whole community and specific vulnerable populations. There is a lack of studies investigating preventive behaviours among people living with mental disorders and addiction problems. Furthermore, descriptive and intervention studies are needed to understand and improve the adherence of this population to preventive behaviours.

Since the outbreak of respiratory coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, there is an ongoing discussion about whether the virus could be transmitted through corneal transplantation from donor to recipient. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current knowledge in the scientific community to provide aid in risk evaluation for potential virus transfer by corneal transplants. Literature was searched in PubMed.gov for relevant articles on coronavirus in conjunction with cornea processing, cornea transplantation and eye banking. Further, guidelines of health authorities and eye banking associations were reviewed. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in ocular swabs and/or fluid of patients with COVID-19. However, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission through these ocular tissues or fluid of patients is judged differently. To date, per literature and official guidelines, no evidence of viable virus in ocular tissue and no cases of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via tissue preparations have been reported.

During the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, around the world, evidence is mounting as to the unenveness of impacts across communities. There are disproportionately more impacts on people who are elderly, economically marginalized, immunologically compromised, and members of racialized and equity-seeking communities. As part of the COVID-19 response, virus transmission mitigation efforts including the use of new technology tools like contract tracing apps are being explored. There are significant implications to the use of these tools, including how they impact different community members and exacerbate digital divide, exclusion, and surveillance issues. This article brings forward a citizen participation framework that is instructive for decision-makers charged with pandemic-driven technology adoption.

Tracheal extubation is an aerosol-generating medical procedure. A difficult tracheal extubation results in a serious complication that increases the risk of respiratory aerosol and pathogen spread, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The management of difficult extubation is potentially even more challenging during the pandemic. We report two cases of difficult extubation due to endotracheal tube cuff malfunction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Special airway maneuvers and infection control measures were employed to successfully manage the unexpected dilemma. This case series highlights the risk of COVID-19 virus transmission during difficult extubation. This report describes the preventive and reactive management of difficult extubation.

CDC recommends a combination of evidence-based strategies to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (1). Because the virus is transmitted predominantly by inhaling respiratory droplets from infected persons, universal mask use can help reduce transmission (1). Starting in April, 39 states and the District of Columbia (DC) issued mask mandates in 2020. Reducing person-to-person interactions by avoiding nonessential shared spaces, such as restaurants, where interactions are typically unmasked and physical distancing (≥6 ft) is difficult to maintain, can also decrease transmission (2). In March and April 2020, 49 states and DC prohibited any on-premises dining at restaurants, but by mid-June, all states and DC had lifted these restrictions. To examine the association of state-issued mask mandates and allowing on-premises restaurant dining with COVID-19 cases and deaths during March 1-December 31, 2020, county-level data on mask mandates and restaurant reopenings were compared with county-level changes in COVID-19 case and death growth rates relative to the mandate implementation and reopening dates. Mask mandates were associated with decreases in daily COVID-19 case and death growth rates 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80, and 81-100 days after implementation. Allowing any on-premises dining at restaurants was associated with increases in daily COVID-19 case growth rates 41-60, 61-80, and 81-100 days after reopening, and increases in daily COVID-19 death growth rates 61-80 and 81-100 days after reopening. Implementing mask mandates was associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission, whereas reopening restaurants for on-premises dining was associated with increased transmission. Policies that require universal mask use and restrict any on-premises restaurant dining are important components of a comprehensive strategy to reduce exposure to and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (1). Such efforts are increasingly important given the emergence of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants in the United States (3,4).

Compartmental models simplify the mathematical modeling of infectious diseases based on reported cases. In the absence of precautions, personal protective equipment, quarantine and social distancing, a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SuEIR) model with Unscented Kalman Filter for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) Forecasts in Turkey has revealed 174 641 infected people on August 15, 2020, whilst the reported case was 12 216. Through numerical experiments, the effects of quarantine, social distancing, and COVID-19 testing on the dynamics of the outbreak varies. We herein present the documentation of the work in a perinatology clinic during COVID-19 pandemic to find the reflection in a pandemic hospital as even in the pandemic, pregnancy complications and fetal diagnosis/therapy are time-sensitive and cannot be delayed. During the prevention of the horizontal transmission to the health-care workers (HCWs), testing all pregnant women with nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) undergoing birth, ultrasound examinations, invasive procedures appear to be the gold standard so that appropriate precautions can be taken if the screen is positive. Though it is logical, it may be incompatible with a busy obstetric practise as a pending polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result should never delay any emergent procedure.We aim to describe the development of COVID-19 disease of 408 HCW out of 1462 by the exposure to pregnant women while providing obstetric care in a single tertiary perinatology unit under strict clinical triage, recommended precautions and wearing personal protective equipment and compare the maternal and perinatal outcome with those of the preceding three months.A prospective cohort study involving the pregnant women and the HCW with positive PCR for SARS-COV-2 were carried out to correlate with the horizontal transmission while documenting the perinatal work.25 HCW, including nurses/midwives: 11, doctors: 7 and health technicians: 3 and support staff: 4 developed positive PCR for SARS-COV-2 while providing healthcare to 162 cases: mild-moderate (In a nonstop pandemic perinatology clinic, exposure to 162 PCR positive pregnant women may be correlated with a 5.4% (22/408) documented horizontal transmission in the frontline HCW despite clinical triage and personal protective equipment.

In order to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic the government of Saudi Arabia launched three mobile applications namely Tetamman, Tabaud & Tawakkalna to keep the public aware about the corona virus and ensure monitoring of the suspected cases. The objective of this study is to curb the spread of COVID-19 by enhancing social measures and investigate the role of mobile applications in achievement of this objective. Comprehensive review of the role of mobile applications was made and a survey approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of these applications. Findings of the study indicate that the users perceive that the applications are successful in achievement of the objectives for which these applications were launched. The key performance indicators (KPIs) included in the survey were efficiency, ease of use, satisfaction of users, fulfilment of purpose, usefulness and helpfulness etc. The average number of respondents, who agreed that these applications are performing according to the mentioned KPIs, is 86.6% for Tetamman, 80.5% for Tabaud and 90% for Tawakkalna. More awareness campaigns are needed so that more people adopt the use of these applications, which could significantly help in identification of new casesand enhance telehealth and teleconsultations. Moreover, the applications should be upgraded for self-triage.

As the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to remain severe, people tend to spend more time in an indoor dwelling and, much of the time in the summer, people choose to sit at air-conditioned homes, offices, or travel in air-conditioned vehicles. In order to reduce the occurrence of health-care-related diseases, cleaning and disinfecting of such environment is critical as polluted air posed threat to human wellbeing, reduces the life expectancy due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including asthma and pulmonary disease. People are less aware of disease transmission through air circulation in the air-conditioned environment. In particular, in the current times, virus particles, in addition to the various technological advancements such as the use of HEPA filters, appear to pass through the air from a person to the other. The present work examines the indexed publications in this area. The authors in this report have attempted to collect reports and studies on the HVAC system and the virus in order to get its illustration. The air filtration devices i.e. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters were found to play an important role in damping the rate of transmission of viruses.

Humans are closely associated with companion animals, particularly dogs, and cats. Recent studies demonstrated that pets could succumb to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus infection through a person who has COVID-19 disease. At present, we do have strong evidence of how COVID-19 affects pets and do the pets transmit the virus to humans. Until we know more about virus transmission, we need to follow the health agency guidelines to contain the virus spread. In this short perceptive article, we describe the incidences of coronavirus in pets and possible precautions that need to be followed by people, particularly pregnant women and infertility patients to avoid getting the disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) continues to reshape the globe. It is more than a year since the virus first emerged, yet the vast majority of people are still vulnerable. The current response to the COVID-19 pandemic involves aggressive implementation of containment, suppression, and mitigation strategies causing devastating social, economic and political crises. The restrictions on our lives are the only thing holding the virus in check. The world cannot return to normal without safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 along with a coordinated global vaccination program. Vaccines remain the safest, most cost-effective protection against disease. Unprecedented data sharing and collaborative team efforts are breaking down barriers in an attempt to reduce the time of vaccine development. An ideal COVID-19 vaccine should be safe, provide long-lasting protection, protect not only against disease but prevent virus transmission to others, be able to be produced quickly and in large quantities, be easily stored, transported and administered. The global COVID-19 vaccine pipeline is currently expanding on a daily basis. Multiple platforms are being used for producing vaccines at pandemic speed. Each platform has its own merits, demerits and challenges and it is unlikely that any single platform on its own will constitute a solution for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Aerosol transmitted COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) is infectious causing both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. The viable COVID-19 virus transmission via air has occurred. Therefore, methods must be established to determine the viability of the virus and to disinfect it in air, surfaces, and on foodstuff. In this review article, we have discussed the pattern virus spread in bus, hospital, and cruise ship. The methods of reducing and eliminating the infection in household and public places have been suggested. The safety, efficacy, and phase 3 trials data published by major vaccine candidates Russian Gamaleya’s “Sputnik V”, Oxford University –AstraZeneca, CanSino Biologics, and Moderna Therapeutics have been included. The article is very useful to stop the COVID-19 pandemic spread and finally ending the pandemic.

In Italy, as today October 26 the virus is circulating throughout the country. By a new decree of the Ministry of Health of October 25, 2020, authorities in Italy have suspended most of the recreational activities, like, cinemas, theatres, gyms and restaurants. Aim of this observational study was to evaluate environmental risk related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Information questionnaire concerning the activities carried out during the last 14 days was proposed at 256 SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects. Among the SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects, 95% (213/226) never went to cinemas and or theatres, 93% (211/226) never went restaurants and 92% (209/226) never went to gyms. Our data strongly suggest that the virus infection rarely occurred in the considered environmental system.

Background: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. It is a major cause of severe acute and chronic hepatitis B. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HDV in blood donors. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving HBsAg-positive blood donors covering the period from July to December 2020. Testing for HDV RNA was performed by conventional two-step RT-PCR. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22 software. Result: Of 113 HBsAg positive samples included in the study 22 or 19.5% were HDV positive. The prevalence of HDV was higher in the age group 31 - 45 years (45.5%), in male donors (71.4%) and in donors with secondary education (50.0%). Furthermore, 55.4% belonged to the family donor category. A significant statistical difference was observed between HDV infection, tattoos, piercings and multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of HDV among blood donors in Brazzaville.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily transmitted through virus-laden fluid particles ejected from the mouth of infected people. Face covers can mitigate the risk of virus transmission but their outward effectiveness is not fully ascertained. Objective: by using a background oriented schlieren technique, we aim to investigate the air flow ejected by a person while quietly and heavily breathing, while coughing, and with different face covers. Results: we found that all face covers without an outlet valve reduce the front flow through by at least 63% and perhaps as high as 86% if the unfiltered cough jet distance was resolved to the anticipated maximum distance of 2-3 m. However, surgical and handmade masks, and face shields, generate significant leakage jets that may present major hazards. Conclusions: the effectiveness of the masks should mostly be considered based on the generation of secondary jets rather than on the ability to mitigate the front throughflow.

To investigate a superspreading event at a fitness center in Hong Kong, China, we used genomic sequencing to analyze 102 reverse transcription PCR–confirmed cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Our finding highlights the risk for virus transmission in confined spaces with poor ventilation and limited public health interventions.

Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that leads to severe acute respiratory disease. It was first identified in Wuhan City, China, in December 2019 and has resulted in an ongoing pandemic. As of September 15, 2020, more than 26.5 million cases have been reported across the world, with more than 873,000 deaths. As SARS-CoV-2 is highly infective through air-borne contamination, the risk of infection in the dental setting is a serious problem for dental professionals as well as patients. The article provides information on this virus transmission and emphasizes the safety protocols to be followed before, during and after dental treatment.

Communicable disease, COVID-19 easily spreads through the respiratory droplets. Therefore, WHO recommends the physical distancing policy to prevent the transmission. However, the transmission of SARS-CoV2 virus causing COVID-19 occurred not only by human interaction, but also the things that had been touched by the people suffered COVID-19 have potential as the media for the virus transmission. Then, it is necessary to anticipate the worries in the form of correct wash hand application or using hand sanitizer. The activities that had been done were giving an education about the communicable disease, COVID-19, how it is spread and how to prevent it; performing correct hand wash and preparation of alcohol based hand sanitizer in the form of gel to the society of Belawan I neighborhoods, Medan Belawan District, Medan City. The survey analysis results showed that the community service that had been conducted in Belawan I neighborhoods gave benefits and elevated approximately 49.5% the knowledge of the community regarding the COVID-19 and hand sanitizer preparation.

Insufficiently protected healthcare workers (HCWs), defined as high-risk contacts of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are routinely quarantined. This study evaluated the transmission of infection from a symptomatic patient with COVID-19 to 60 HCWs exposed at ≤2 m for ≥15 min or during aerosol-generating procedures. Following ≥106 unique high-risk contacts, none of the HCWs tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 RNA or developed antibodies. The HCWs reported adherence to basic infection control procedures. These results are in accordance with other reports, and should reassure HCWs and further stimulate broader evaluation of the foundation for the current practice of home quarantining non-symptomatic HCWs.

The outbreak of pneumonia caused by 2019 Novel Coronavirus arises significant concern for virus transmission and control. The control of the indoor environment or public-enclosed environment is crucial to reduce the risk of infection. Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are used to create a healthy, thermal-comfort indoor environments. Thus, the rational use of HVAC systems is of great importance for the environmental control to reduce infection risk and to improve human wellbeing in the pandemic. In order to satisfy the requirement of better healthy environment and more thermal comfort performance of indoor ventilation system, prevention of indoor pollution is essential, especially considering the purpose of disease transmission resistance. This paper investigated the collective contagion events in enclosed spaces as well as engineering control against virus spread with ventilation systems for health-care facilities and public vehicles. Future challenges of HVAC design and control were discussed.

Resumen Introduccion La pandemia de COVID-19 ha ocasionado cerca de 25 millones de casos en el mundo Se ha descrito que los pacientes asintomaticos pueden ser fuentes de transmision Sin embargo, es dificil detectarlos y no es claro su papel en la dinamica de transmision del virus, lo que obstaculiza la implementacion de estrategias para la prevencion Objetivo Describir el comportamiento de la infeccion asintomatica por SARS-CoV-2 en una cohorte de trabajadores del Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado "Luis Carlos Galan Sarmiento" de Bogota, Colombia Materiales y metodos Se diseno una cohorte prospectiva de trabajadores del Aeropuerto El Dorado El seguimiento se inicio en junio de 2020 con una encuesta a cada trabajador para caracterizar sus condiciones de salud y trabajo Cada 21 dias se tomo una muestra de hisopado nasofaringeo para detectar la presencia del SARS-CoV-2 mediante reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa (RT-PCR) Se analizo el comportamiento del umbral del ciclo (cycle threshold) de los genes ORFlab y N segun el dia de seguimiento Resultados En los primeros tres seguimientos de la cohorte se encontro una incidencia de la infeccion por SARS-CoV-2 del 16,51 % La proporcion de contactos positivos fue del 14,08 % La mediana del umbral del ciclo fue de 33,53 Conclusion Se determinaron las caracteristicas de la infeccion asintomatica por el SARS-CoV-2 en una cohorte de trabajadores La deteccion de infectados asintomaticos sigue siendo un reto para los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiologica Introduction: The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has caused around 25 million cases worldwide Asymptomatic patients have been described as potential sources of transmission However, there are difficulties to detect them and to establish their role in the dynamics of virus transmission, which hinders the implementation of prevention strategies Objective: To describe the behavior of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in a cohort of workers at the El Dorado "Luis Carlos Galan Sarmiento" International Airport in Bogota, Colombia Materials and methods: A prospective cohort of 212 workers from the El Dorado airport was designed The follow-up began in June, 2020 A survey was used to characterize health and work conditions Every 21 day, a nasopharyngeal swab was taken to identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR We analyzed the behavior of the cycle threshold (ORFlab and N genes) according to the day of follow-up Results: In the first three follow-ups of the cohort, we found an incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection of 16 51% The proportion of positive contacts was 14 08% The median threshold for cycle threshold was 33 53 Conclusion: We characterized the asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of workers The identification of asymptomatic infected persons continues to be a challenge for epidemiological surveillance systems

Background The family cluster is one of most important modes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission throughout China, and more details are needed about how family clusters cause the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Case presentation We retrospectively reviewed 7 confirmed cases from one family cluster. Both clinical features and laboratory examination results were described. Patient 1 had been in close contact with someone who was later confirmed to have COVID-19 in Wuhan City before he returned back to his hometown. He had dinner with 6 other members in his family. All the persons developed COVID-19 successively except for one older woman who neither had dinner with them nor shared a sleeping room with her husband. Six patients had mild or moderate COVID-19 but one older man with underlying diseases progressed into the severe type. After general and symptomatic treatments, all the patients recovered. Conclusions In a family cluster, having dinner together may be an important mode for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. In this setting, most cases are mild with a favorable prognosis, while elderly patients with underlying diseases may progress into the severe type. For someone who has close contact with a confirmed case, 14-day isolation is necessary to contain virus transmission.

Making the mask functioned as a form of prevention in transmission of the virus, because the virus can be transmitted through the mouth, nose and eyes. The idea of ​​making cloth masks stems from the lack of availability of masks and soaring mask prices in the market. Armed with one of the family members who have expertise in the field of sewing then came the idea to produce their own fabric masks with fabric materials that existed at first and then tried to market them at an appropriate price to optimize revenue in the covid-19 pandemic. fabric mask material used is cotton with a variety of funny motives, in addition to the function of health and aesthetic functions to increase people's interest in wearing cloth masks.

Spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a global pandemic that is affecting the health and economy of all World Health Organization [WHO] regions. Clinical and translational research activities have been affected drastically by this global catastrophe. In this document we provide a suggested roadmap for resuming gastrointestinal translational research activities, emphasising physical distancing and use of personal protective equipment. We discuss modes of virus transmission in enclosed environments [including clinical workplaces and laboratories] and potential risks of exposure in the endoscopy environment for research staff. The proposed guidelines should be considered in conjunction with local institutional and government guidelines so that translational research can be resumed as safely as possible.

Background It is important to understand the mode of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for disease control. We aimed to clarify how soon SARS-CoV-2 transmission can occur after infection by asymptomatically infected individuals. Methods We analyzed the publicly available epidemiological information for a cluster of 108 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Osaka, Japan. Results Among cases, 51 cases attended a live music club only once and were considered to have a single visit. Ten remained asymptomatic at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, which was on average 20 days after exposure. Three routes of secondary transmission were identified, with 2–4 days from infection to transmission. All index cases for secondary transmission were asymptomatic at the time of contact with other people. Based on the date of symptom onset in the remaining 41 cases, the period from exposure to illness ranged from 2 to 17 days. Conclusions Seemingly healthy people could spread SARS-CoV-2 during intense activities in enclosed environments without sufficient ventilation. Asymptomatically infected persons can transmit the virus as soon as 2 days after infection. Continuous efforts to avoid crowding and to maintain personal hygiene are needed for effective control of COVID-19., Investigation of a cluster of 108 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections linked to music clubs revealed that asymptomatically infected persons can transmit SARS-CoV-2 as soon as 2 days after infection. Asymptomatic transmission appeared to be efficient in crowded indoor settings.

We present an analysis of COVID-19 lockdowns for 56 countries based on daily mobility levels and estimated virus transmission rates. What will happen to transmission rates when countries begin to ease restrictions and mobility levels start to increase? Our analysis, based on data up to May 11th, 2020, show how, even when mobility levels increase, most countries (87%) continue to reduce the effective reproduction number ( R t ) of the virus. Moreover, when restrictions were eased only after R t was below 1, then countries always managed to maintain R t ≤ 1 even as mobility levels rose, at least for the period covered by the data. In contrast, when restrictions were eased before R t fell below 1, then only 55% of countries managed to subsequently reduce R t to below 1. By easing restrictions cautiously and carefully, it was possible to avoid a rebound in transmission rates while allowing mobility levels to increase.

Background: The transmission of respiratory viruses such as influenza and corona viruses from one person to another is still not fully understood. Methods: A literature search showed that there is a strong scientific rationale and evidence that viruses are very efficiently spread through aerosols by the patient's breathing only. It is not necessary for the patient to cough or sneeze. Results: The exhaled aerosol particles are generated by normal breathing in the deep lung through reopening of collapsed small airways during inspiration. These mucus/surfactant aerosols (size range between 0.2 and 0.6 μm) can transport viruses out of the lungs of patients and be present in the room air for hours. Conclusion: These aerosol particles are difficult to filter out of the air; because of their physical properties, new strategies must be developed to protect people from these virus aerosols.

Background and objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the seventh member of the coronavirus family to infect humans. The coronavirus disease was first identified in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. More than five million people in different countries have been infected with the virus in a matter of months. Although many studies have been done on the molecular immune pathogenesis and genetics of SARS-CoV-2, there is still not enough information about the virus. The purpose of this study is to summarize the latest information on SARS-CoV-2 characteristics, transmission, prevention and management to increase awareness and stop the virus transmission cycle. Conclusion: The incidence of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage, the methods for its management and the need for re-admission are quite different in different age groups.

Many measures such as multi-sectoral National Coronavirus Preparedness Group and social interventions were instituted by Nigerian governments before and after the first case of COVID-19 was recorded on February 27, 2020. Impacts of these intervention measures on COVID-19 transmission were assessed within the first 82 days in Nigeria and in the first 38 days in Kano state. These approaches toward containing the spread of COVID-19 include nonpharmaceutical intervention measures, multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated at Level 3, expansion of labouratories, RRT deployment etc which resulted in the slow transmission trajectory and low COVID-19 burden and death burden on the people. The analysis of the COVID-19 data obtained between February 27 and May 20, 2020 (82 days period) showed that Nigeria recorded lower death burden of one (1) per million population compare with other African countries like South Africa with death burden of 6 death per million population each and other countries, death burden increases (> 1) as COVID-19 cases increases. Similarly, COVID-19 burden of Nigeria is 33 cases per million which is also very low compared to other African countries and other highly affected countries like US and UK. By 20th May 2020, 6,677 confirmed cases and 202 deaths and 1,860 recovered from COVID-19 have occurred in Nigeria. At day 82, the exponential growth rate calculated was 0.05. The result of this study also provides epidemiological analysis of the first 40 days of COVID-19 outbreak in in the most populous state in Nigeria-Kano. Using this logistic model equation [y= 1.5*(1.3)x] generated from the curve, a total of 31,158 infections was averted in Kano state by the federal and state government intervention measures and citizen level of compliances as well as additional effort of WHO official which altogether brought the total infections to 900 as against 32,058 infections predicted by logistic model. Simulation of the same model predicts total infections of 6,092,642 by 9th of June more than half of state population in the absence of aforementioned interventions while by 11th of June 11,435,884 infections (state population). The results show COVID-19 positive cases are higher in the states with high population densities

Objective To investigate small-particle aerosolization from mastoidectomy relevant to potential viral transmission and to test source-control mitigation strategies. Study Design Cadaveric simulation. Setting Surgical simulation laboratory. Methods An optical particle size spectrometer was used to quantify 1- to 10-µm aerosols 30 cm from mastoid cortex drilling. Two barrier drapes were evaluated: OtoTent1, a drape sheet affixed to the microscope; OtoTent2, a custom-structured drape that enclosed the surgical field with specialized ports. Results Mastoid drilling without a barrier drape, with or without an aerosol-scavenging second suction, generated large amounts of 1- to 10-µm particulate. Drilling under OtoTent1 generated a high density of particles when compared with baseline environmental levels (P < .001, U = 107). By contrast, when drilling was conducted under OtoTent2, mean particle density remained at baseline. Adding a second suction inside OtoTent1 or OtoTent2 kept particle density at baseline levels. Significant aerosols were released upon removal of OtoTent1 or OtoTent2 despite a 60-second pause before drape removal after drilling (P < .001, U = 0, n = 10, 12; P < .001, U = 2, n = 12, 12, respectively). However, particle density did not increase above baseline when a second suction and a pause before removal were both employed. Conclusions Mastoidectomy without a barrier, even when a second suction was added, generated substantial 1- to 10-µm aerosols. During drilling, large amounts of aerosols above baseline levels were detected with OtoTent1 but not OtoTent2. For both drapes, a second suction was an effective mitigation strategy during drilling. Last, the combination of a second suction and a pause before removal prevented aerosol escape during the removal of either drape.