Lessons from the devastating impact of the first COVID-19 wave in Italy. (19th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anastassopoulou, Cleo; Siettos, Constantinos; Russo, Lucia; Vrioni, Georgia; Tsakris, Athanasios
• Is Part Of: Pathogens and global health. Volume 115:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2021-05-19
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- epidemic waves -- basic reproduction number R0 -- day zero -- asymptomatic cases; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Public health -- International cooperation -- Periodicals; World health -- Periodicals; 362.1969
• DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1894399
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-7724

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Herein, we are critically examining the chain of events and discussing previously unrecognized factors that led to the 'perfect COVID-19 storm' in northern Italy during the first epidemic wave in spring 2020. SARS-CoV-2 was circulating uncontrollably at least for five weeks before the adoption of containment measures, and the role of exponential growth in the spread of the virus, conveyed by a high R 0, was likely underestimated. An understanding of this failure's causes and contexts will help us to control the strong second wave of the pandemic we are now facing in Europe, and to be better prepared for future outbreaks.