Systematic review of empirical studies comparing the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate which non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been more and less effective in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of published and unpublished empirical studies, either observational or interventional, analysing the comparative effectiveness of NPIs against the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched Embase/Medline and medRxiv to identify the relevant literature.

Results

We identified 34 studies. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, school closing was the most effective NPI, followed by workplace closing, business and venue closing and public event bans. Public information campaigns and mask wearing requirements were also effective in controlling the pandemic while being less disruptive for the popu

SUBMITTER: Mendez-Brito A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8214911 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature