2 ms·

Covid-19: examining the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions [pdf]

1 points by consumer451 3y ago

consumer451 3y ago
> What has been learnt about NPI (non-pharmaceutical intervention) effectiveness? > Masks and face coverings > The weight of evidence from all studies suggests that wearing masks, particularly higher quality masks (respirators), supported by mask mandates, generally reduced the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies consistently, though not universally, reported that mask wearing and mask mandates were an effective approach to reduce infection. There is also evidence, mainly from studies in healthcare settings, that higher-quality ‘respirator’ masks (such as N95 masks) were more effective than surgical-type masks. The evidence suggested that masks with greater barrier function were more effective than those with lower barrier function; and mask wearing in the context of a mandate to wear masks was more effective than mask wearing in the context of voluntary behaviour. > Social distancing and ‘lockdowns’ > Most effective of all the NPIs were the social distancing measures. Stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, and restrictions on gathering size were repeatedly found to be associated with significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with more stringent measures having greater effects. Early in the pandemic certain sub-populations, such as the elderly, were found to be particularly vulnerable to severe disease and death resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Social distancing measures aimed specifically at protecting the elderly, such as restrictions on visitors and ‘cohorting’ staff with residents in care homes (separating residents into groups, each cared for by a specific group of staff), were frequently associated with reduced transmission and reduced outbreaks within care homes. > Regarding school closures and other school-based measures, the evidence suggests that they were associated with reduced COVID-19 incidence within schools and the community. However, the effectiveness of these measures was varied (compared to community-wide measures such as stay-at-home orders), time-dependent, and often contingent on the adherence to the measures implemented and the targeted age group of school children. > Test, trace and isolate > Test, trace and isolate approaches were used as a key intervention in many countries, especially those pursuing zero-COVID policies. Studies from several countries that implemented high levels of contact tracing with isolation of infected individuals and their contacts found reductions in COVID-19 deaths. Strong evidence was also found for the effectiveness of contact tracing apps. For example, a trial of the UK’s app (alongside communications and manual tracing interventions) on the Isle of Wight was associated with a substantial reduction in transmission.

1 points by consumer451 3y ago

> What has been learnt about NPI (non-pharmaceutical intervention) effectiveness? > Masks and face coverings > The weight of evidence from all studies suggests that wearing masks, particularly higher quality masks (respirators), supported by mask mandates, generally reduced the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies consistently, though not universally, reported that mask wearing and mask mandates were an effective approach to reduce infection. There is also evidence, mainly from studies in healthcare settings, that higher-quality ‘respirator’ masks (such as N95 masks) were more effective than surgical-type masks. The evidence suggested that masks with greater barrier function were more effective than those with lower barrier function; and mask wearing in the context of a mandate to wear masks was more effective than mask wearing in the context of voluntary behaviour. > Social distancing and ‘lockdowns’ > Most effective of all the NPIs were the social distancing measures. Stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, and restrictions on gathering size were repeatedly found to be associated with significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with more stringent measures having greater effects. Early in the pandemic certain sub-populations, such as the elderly, were found to be particularly vulnerable to severe disease and death resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Social distancing measures aimed specifically at protecting the elderly, such as restrictions on visitors and ‘cohorting’ staff with residents in care homes (separating residents into groups, each cared for by a specific group of staff), were frequently associated with reduced transmission and reduced outbreaks within care homes. > Regarding school closures and other school-based measures, the evidence suggests that they were associated with reduced COVID-19 incidence within schools and the community. However, the effectiveness of these measures was varied (compared to community-wide measures such as stay-at-home orders), time-dependent, and often contingent on the adherence to the measures implemented and the targeted age group of school children. > Test, trace and isolate > Test, trace and isolate approaches were used as a key intervention in many countries, especially those pursuing zero-COVID policies. Studies from several countries that implemented high levels of contact tracing with isolation of infected individuals and their contacts found reductions in COVID-19 deaths. Strong evidence was also found for the effectiveness of contact tracing apps. For example, a trial of the UK’s app (alongside communications and manual tracing interventions) on the Isle of Wight was associated with a substantial reduction in transmission.