Transmission Dynamics of COVID-19 and Impact on Public Health Policy

B Shayak; Mohit Manoj Sharma; Richard H Rand; Awadhesh Kumar Singh; Anoop Misra

Here we focus on the relationship between COVID-19 and the past outbreaks of SARS, MERS and swine flu (H1N1). Epidemics of infectious diseases have disastrous impacts on health, social and economic conditions in developing as well as developed countries. To control the spread of these diseases, it is crucial to effectively utilize public health resources in a timely manner. The process of anticipating, preventing, preparing for, detecting, responding, and controlling epidemics in order that the health and economic impacts to society are minimized is described as epidemic management. A well-coordinated, systematic and expeditious investigation by government strategists, policy makers, physicians and technical staff is required to understand the outbreaks and identify key points for implementing interventions. Such interventions include adopting hygienic measures, social distancing, travel restrictions, quarantine and case isolation. We shall now discuss the applications of these methods to the SARS, MERS and Swine Flu outbreaks.