Novel Screening and Triage Strategy in Iran During Deadly Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Epidemic: Value of Humanitarian Teleconsultation Service.

Abstract

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in at least 156 countries has been classified by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic [1]. The long incubation period and low disease severity in the early stage contributed to rapid increase in case numbers. The infection ranges from mild to severe respiratory illness, potentially progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome in 17% to 29% of patients [2]. Disease severity resulted in global public health efforts to contain person-to-person viral spread by early detection.