Countries with delayed COVID-19 introduction - characteristics, drivers, gaps, and opportunities.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Three months after the first reported cases, COVID-19 had spread to nearly 90% of World Health Organization (WHO) member states and only 24 countries had not reported cases as of 30 March 2020. This analysis aimed to 1) assess characteristics, capability to detect and monitor COVID-19, and disease control measures in these 24 countries, 2) understand potential factors for the reported delayed COVID-19 introduction, and 3) identify gaps and opportunities for outbreak preparedness, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We collected and analyzed publicly available information on country characteristics, COVID-19 testing, influenza surveillance, border measures, and preparedness activities in these countries. We also assessed the association between the te

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7968140 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature