COVID-19 in Germany and China: mitigation versus elimination strategy. Issue 1 (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Guangyu; Razum, Oliver; Jahn, Albrecht; Zhang, Yuying; Sutton, Brett; Sridhar, Devi; Ariyoshi, Koya; von Seidlein, Lorenz; Müller, Olaf
• Is Part Of: Global health action. Volume 14:Issue 1(2020-2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- pandemic -- China -- Germany -- health policy; World health -- Periodicals; Global Health; World health; Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.1875601
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1654-9716

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : The COVID-19 pandemic shows variable dynamics in WHO Regions, with lowest disease burden in the Western-Pacific Region. While China has been able to rapidly eliminate transmission of SARS-CoV-2, Germany – as well as most of Europe and the Americas – is struggling with high numbers of cases and deaths. Objective : We analyse COVID-19 epidemiology and control strategies in China and in Germany, two countries which have chosen profoundly different approaches to deal with the epidemic. Methods : In this narrative review, we searched the literature from 1 December 2019, to 4 December 2020. Results : China and several neighbours (e.g. Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Thailand) have achieved COVID-19 elimination or sustained low case numbers. This can be attributed to: (1) experience with previous coronavirus outbreaks; (2) classification of SARS-CoV-2 in the highest risk category and consequent early employment of aggressive control measures; (3) mandatory isolation of cases and contacts in institutions; (4) broad employment of modern contact tracking technology; (5) travel restrictions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 re-importation; (6) cohesive communities with varying levels of social control. Conclusions : Early implementation of intense and sustained control measures is key to achieving a near normal social and economic life.