Abstract
Flattening the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) curve has been one of the most important public health targets since the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide. In this review, we examined measures that were key to flattening the curve in countries that have succeeded in achieving this against other countries. The most consistent factors seen from studies were aggressive testing, contact tracing, social distancing, quarantine measures, and innovative technology. These factors were reported to have helped achieve drop in the number of daily new cases reported. Countries like South Korea and Australia employed extensive testing of their residents as a means of curbing the pandemic and limiting its spread. China and Spain employed tracking software and artificial intelligence (AI) in ensuring that infected individuals remained isolated for the recommended number of days and that close contacts of positive cases were tested and quarantined as well. While efforts towards developing a vaccine are still ongoing, and the possibility of a second wave in many countries, we discussed pertinent public health measures and recommendations.
Highlights
A flattened curve is reflected in the basic reproductive number, known as R0
Other countries that were not as prepared were caught offguard and lagged with their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]. This unpreparedness was made evident by the increased incidence of cases and morbidity of infected patients in these countries. We highlight these measures that were key to flattening the curve from countries that have succeeded in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic
Australia is another country that carried out aggressive testing of its population during the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
Aggressive testing has been shown to be beneficial in countries, which have flattened their curves successfully. South Korea is one of two countries with initial large outbreaks that managed to flatten its curve in record time.[6] It rapidly conducted an estimated 15,000 tests per day in the first couple of weeks following the spread of the virus within its borders It is one of the pioneer countries to introduce ‘drive-thru’ clinics and ‘K – walk- thru’ services. Contamination of the booth is prevented in the positive pressure booth, as well as the need to constantly disinfect after every test is done.[8] South Korea has conducted 885,120 tests as of 30 May, 2020,9 bringing it to approximately 17,000 tests per million of its population This made South Korea flatten its curve without resulting in extreme lockdown measures that most other countries had to result to.[10]. When compared with other countries like Brazil who have carried out about 740,000 COVID-19 tests[13] and bringing it to only about 3000 tests per million population, we can deduce that extensive testing amongst not just symptomatic and exposed persons, and testing asymptomatic people will invariably reduce the spread of the virus
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