Prevalence of COVID-19 Pandemic Threat; Implications of Social Quarantine as Preventive Public Health Intervention

COVID 19 & Implications of Social Quarantine

Abstract

The emergence of coronavirus back in 2019 posed an epidemic threat to global public health security even after the execution of precautionary and control measures. The infectious disease was first identified in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly to multiple countries. Gradually, it caused casualties of people with a large number of coronavirus cases. Different countries implemented several interventions to mitigate the human-to-human transmission of this disease including travel restrictions, setting up isolation centers, lockdowns, and social quarantine. A systematic search was implemented through five electronic databases (PubMed, WHO, NIH, Scopus and Google Scholar). Research studies that were published until 30th May 2021 were included in this study, and eligibility criteria were selected for this review. The study shed light on the critical aspects of the implications of social quarantine preventive intervention to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The lessons learned from the pandemic can help the future preparedness and response plan to combat the progression of this disease. Yet limited studies have been conducted about the socio-economic impact of these social-distancing measures for most vulnerable populations. In this study, various research studies that have reported the positive and negative impact of physical distancing on the population were evaluated. In this situation, the Pakistani government must combat the coronavirus disease and take steps to improve the economic condition of the country. Special attention must be paid to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable populations such as the disabled, older population, homeless and poor populations to lessen the risks of coronavirus disease. Policymakers must ensure transparency in communication and provide evidence-based interventions to tackle the worse situation. The countries must coordinate their efforts to develop antivirals and vaccines for the treatment of infectious fatal diseases. Government must support the community through access to the use of technology, and home care to older residents, deliver health counseling services, and deliver home-based learning. All countries must use print, electronic and social media wisely and they must be coordinated, and provide education and social awareness among the citizenry regarding how to avoid being infected.