Preprint Communication Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Challenges in Controlling SARS-CoV-2 in a Lower-middle Income Country and the Potential Unintended Effects due to Aggressive Restrictions

Version 1 : Received: 7 April 2020 / Approved: 8 April 2020 / Online: 8 April 2020 (12:03:43 CEST)

How to cite: Lau, L.; Wu, P.; Go, D.; Dodd, W.; Yu, C. Challenges in Controlling SARS-CoV-2 in a Lower-middle Income Country and the Potential Unintended Effects due to Aggressive Restrictions. Preprints 2020, 2020040130. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202004.0130.v1 Lau, L.; Wu, P.; Go, D.; Dodd, W.; Yu, C. Challenges in Controlling SARS-CoV-2 in a Lower-middle Income Country and the Potential Unintended Effects due to Aggressive Restrictions. Preprints 2020, 2020040130. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202004.0130.v1

Abstract

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines placed the majority of the country under enhanced community quarantine, restricting the movement of most of its 100 million plus population. These aggressive measures were initiated on March 15, 2020 and intensified on March 17. According to official data, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has exponentially increased during this period, but it is important to note that the number of patients tested also substantially increased during the same period. It is not conclusive that widespread transmission of COVID-19 only started in March and our analysis suggests that community transmission was happening earlier. In discussing extended quarantine measures, it is important to properly understand the trends and recognize the limitations of the data. The unintended consequences on the population, especially in lower-middle income countries with fragile health systems like the Philippines, must be carefully considered.

Keywords

COVID-19; LMIC; Quarantine Measures

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

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