An Ounce of Prevention: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Mass Gatherings

Escher, Allan R

In response, the WHO recently published, "Key planning recommendations for Mass Gatherings in the context of the current COVID-19 outbreak (Interim guidance)" [1] . This technical guidance is a revision of the prior documents: "Mass gatherings in the context of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza" and "International meetings attended by individuals from Ebola virus disease-affected countries." [1} The WHO Guidelines are a comprehensive resource for governments on how to plan for the myriad logistics of mass gatherings. Risk assessment, response, and surveillance are cornerstones of preparation; the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 31000 is a well-accepted approach to risk management [3] . Recent consequences of this standard have resulted in the cancellation of mass gatherings in Lourdes and the closure by Saudi Arabia of pilgrims to Umrah. It remains to be seen if the Olympics will proceed as scheduled or deferred until a later date.