Preparing for COVID-19 exit strategies. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Griffin, Michelle; Sohrabi, Catrin; Alsafi, Zaid; Nicola, Maria; Kerwan, Ahmed; Mathew, Ginimol; Agha, Riaz
• Is Part Of: Annals of medicine and surgery. Volume 61(2021)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Coronavirus -- COVID-19 -- Exit strategy -- Reopening -- Flatten the curve -- Social distancing; Surgery -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; General Surgery -- Periodicals; Education, Medical -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2020.12.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-0801

Abstract

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected 20 million people worldwide with over 732, 000 deaths and trillions of dollars of lost economic productivity. It has put many countries into lockdown to contain the virus and save lives. As COVID-19 cases in some countries start to plateau and societies work hard to 'flatten the curve', leaders are being asked to formulate plans for safe and staged 'exit strategies' to reopen society. Each country will decide on their own exit strategy but many plans are considering similar vital healthcare principles including the maintenance of social distancing to prevent ongoing community transmission, testing capacity, protection of the healthcare systems and the health of their care workers. This review aims to provide an overview of essential factors that plans for exit strategy should consider and their effect on the societies' social and healthcare life. Highlights: Exit strategies following COVID-19 are being formulated with guidelines to ensure society returns to 'normality' safely. Exit strategies are taken a phased approach to end lockdown following COVID-19. Exit strategies should consider ongoing community transmission, testing capacity and protection of the healthcare systems.