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South Korea has also made great efforts to achieve the epidemic milestone
Since the outbreak earlier in the year in Wuhan, China, until the end of April, the new coronavirus has spread to 185 countries around the world, with more than 3 million people infected and at least 200,000 deaths.
South Korea used to be the largest epidemic area outside of China. On April 30, the number of new local cases dropped to zero for the first time.
The four new cases are all imported, and were isolated after the positive entry test.
From a daily increase of more than a thousand to zero, anti-epidemic effectiveness is a huge effort, but perhaps most surprisingly, South Korea has not completely blocked it.
On the 30th, South Korean President Wen Zaiyin said of South Korea’s “zero growth”, showing “the power of South Korea and the Koreans.”
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Taiwan’s anti-epidemic effectiveness is also impressive
And “extreme” epidemic prevention measures like closing cities and countries have become the norm in Europe and the United States. Today, the epidemic situation in Europe and the United States remains grim, and we are struggling to consider whether to unlock it; cases in Latin America, the Middle East and Russia continue to increase.
However, in addition to South Korea, there are some places that have successfully prevented the rapid spread of the virus. Especially in several Asian countries or regions, although their geographical location and the outbreak of China were within walking distance, they have become successful leaders in the fight against the epidemic.
Professor Tobert Nyenswah, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University, told the BBC: “We need to learn from them.”
He said: “Some extreme measures in China may be difficult to implement in other democratic countries. But other places have used different but still effective epidemic programs.”
Taiwan has a population of 23 million. According to figures from the Taiwan Central Epidemic Outbreak Command Center, as of April 27, a total of 429 cases were diagnosed in Taiwan, and there were no local cases for 15 consecutive days. There are only six accumulated deaths in the new crown of Taiwan.
Hong Kong has a population of 7.5 million. According to Hong Kong government statistics, as of April 28, a total of 1,038 confirmed / suspected cases and 4 deaths.
Japan, with a population of 120 million, was diagnosed with 13,614 and 385 deaths; South Korea, with a population of approximately 51 million, diagnosed with 10,752, and died with 244 (the above are statistics from Johns Hopkins University as of April 28).
In several European countries, the number of confirmed cases is as high as hundreds of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands; death cases in Britain, France, Spain and Italy have exceeded 20,000.
Professor Neenswar believes that these Asian countries or regions are relatively more successful in fighting the epidemic, because they not only move fast, but also implement a number of innovative policies.
In summary, the following five experiences are effective in fighting the epidemic.
1. Tests, tests and tests
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Detection is the first step in controlling the epidemic.
Experts interviewed by the World Health Organization and the BBC agreed that detecting cases as early as possible through tests is the fundamental means of controlling the epidemic.
Professor Ninevas said that without knowing how many people are infected, it is impossible to determine how severe the epidemic is and how to take appropriate measures.
Krys Johnson, professor of infectious diseases at Temple University in the United States, shares the same opinion. He said that the degree of detection has caused differences in antiepidemic effects in different countries and that “cases in countries without detection have increased rapidly.”
He recalled that (in March) South Korea had examined more than 10,000 people every day. “Two days of testing equals one month in the United States.”
Detecting everyone who shows symptoms is “the key to preventing the spread of the epidemic,” World Health Organization Director-General Tan Desai said. He said at a press conference: “The signal we want to send to all countries is simple: test, test, retest … you cannot blindfold yourself to fight the epidemic.”
He also warned countries that only evaluated critically ill and critically ill patients: the statistics obtained in doing so are not accurate enough; they can encourage mild patients to continue spreading the virus.
2. Isolate and cut the source of infection.
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Isolation of confirmed and suspected cases is a key step in controlling transmission.
Professor Johnson said that South Korea and China “do a very good job” of monitoring, testing and isolation.
The tests can not only isolate patients and prevent the spread of the virus, but also help discover new cases in the future, such as early infections and asymptomatic people.
Professor Johnson mentioned that during the peak of the epidemic, the Chinese authorities maintained “high vigilance” for follow-up and follow-up, which may also be one of the reasons for the rapid decline in infection cases.
In some cities and towns in mainland China, people with excessive body temperatures are referred to fever clinics dedicated to investigating suspected infectious patients. After a positive test, they are isolated in designated places to prevent cross infection among family members.
The practice in Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong is to isolate the suspected case at home, and those who violate the isolation order will be fined.
Professor Neenswar believes that the key to both practices is to identify possible sources of infection. Both Taiwan and Singapore have taken steps to investigate close contacts, including patient visits, CCTV verification, and bus logging.
Professor Ninevas said that on March 12, there were 445 suspected cases in Hong Kong, but a total of 14,900 tests were conducted on close contacts, and 19 cases were positive.
3. Prepare early and act quickly
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Get ready and act quickly as a deciding factor
Professor Ninevas has participated in the prevention and control of the Ebola outbreak. He said that one of the most basic elements to control the spread is to move fast and act quickly before the virus becomes established.
He believes that the investigation and isolation of new cases are the deciding factors for transmission control in Taiwan and Singapore.
An article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that part of the reason for the success of Taiwan’s epidemic disease is that it has been prepared for a long time. Taiwan established an epidemic control center as early as 2003.
Various research institutions and government departments have participated in the center and, since the SARS (SARS, SARS) epidemic crisis was established, it has conducted many investigations and drills.
Professor Ninevas said that prompt and adequate action is the key to prevention and control in the initial stage of the outbreak. The United States and Europe have experienced problems such as lack of preparation and slow movements.
Taiwan began screening all Wuhan passengers before confirming the case of person-to-person transmission in the community in mid-January.
Hong Kong has checked body temperature in the port since January 3, and then decided to quarantine tourists for 14 days, instructing doctors to inform all people who have a fever, acute respiratory illness, or recent travel history. in Wuhan.
Neynes described this as further proof that “time is the deciding factor.”
4. Guarantee social alienation.
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Hong Kong, March 29. Make sure social alienation is easier said than done
Ninevas said that after the virus has entered the level and has gained a firm foothold, it is not enough to contain it.
At that time, the most effective way to protect people is to quickly implement social alienation, which is also unprecedented in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
In late January, Hong Kong decided to work from home, close schools, and cancel social activities.
Although Singapore has not closed its schools, according to the Straits Times, authorities have taken steps to assess and monitor the health of students and staff on a daily basis.
Fifth, massive public health
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Frequent hand washing is the key to preventing infection and the spread
The World Health Organization says that regular hygiene measures, such as washing hands, are essential to prevent infection.
Ninevas said that many Asian countries have learned the experience and lessons of the 2003 Sars epidemic. They are aware of the importance of personal hygiene to prevent infection and prevent the spread.
In Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and elsewhere, it is common to put or provide handwashing gel on the streets and in shops, and people wear masks when traveling.
Although masks cannot prevent infections 100%, they can at least reduce the risk of spreading viruses like coughs and sneezes.
