Impacts of social and economic factors on the transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China

Yun Qiu; Xi Chen; Wei Shi

The first confirmed case outside Wuhan in China was reported on January 19 (Shenzhen) . Similar to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person. As of January 30, a total of 9976 cases had been reported in at least 21 countries 2 . Early detection of COVID-19 importation and prevention of onward transmission are crucial to all areas at risk of importation from areas with active transmissions (Gilbert et al., 2020) . To contain the virus, Wuhan was placed under lockdown with residents not allowed to leave the city on January 23. On the same or the next day, most public transportation stopped in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province. In addition, most cities in Hubei province had adopted blockade measures for Class A infectious diseases by January 28 3 . Residents in those areas are highly encouraged to stay at home and not to attend any gathering activity. Besides, at least 207 cities in China have adopted similar though softer measures by February 12. People are frequently reminded by media and community workers to maintain safe social distance. Furthermore, many cities require that recent visitors to high COVID-19 risk areas quarantine themselves at home or in designated facilities for 14 days. Residents who have symptoms of fever or dry cough are required to report the situation to community, and are quarantined and treated in special medical facilities. Governments also trace and isolate contacts of those patients.