Social Distancing Measures Research Articles

Population Behavior Changes Underlying Phasic Shifts of SARS-CoV-2 Exposure Settings Across 3 Omicron Epidemic Waves in Hong Kong: Prospective Cohort Study.

Exposure risk was shown to have affected individual susceptibility and the epidemic spread of COVID-19. The dynamics of risk by and across exposure settings alongside the variations following the implementation of social distancing interventions are understudied. This study aims to examine the population's trajectory of exposure risk in different settings and its association with SARS-CoV-2 infection across 3 consecutive Omicron epidemic waves in Hong Kong. From March to June 2022, invitation letters were posted to 41,132 randomly selected residential addresses for the recruitment of households into a prospective population cohort. Through web-based monthly surveys coupled with email reminders, a representative from each enrolled household self-reported incidents of SARS-CoV-2 infections, COVID-19 vaccination uptake, their activity pattern in the workplace, and daily and social settings in the preceding month. As a proxy of their exposure risk, the reported activity trend in each setting was differentiated into trajectories based on latent class growth analyses. The associations of different trajectories of SARS-CoV-2 infection overall and by Omicron wave (wave 1: February-April; wave 2: May-September; wave 3: October-December) in 2022 were evaluated by using Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier analysis. In total, 33,501 monthly responses in the observation period of February-December 2022 were collected from 5321 individuals, with 41.7% (2221/5321) being male and a median age of 46 (IQR 34-57) years. Against an expanding COVID-19 vaccination coverage from 81.9% to 95.9% for 2 doses and 20% to 77.7% for 3 doses, the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection escalated from <0.2% to 25.3%, 32.4%, and 43.8% by the end of waves 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Throughout February-December 2022, 52.2% (647/1240) of participants had worked regularly on-site, 28.7% (356/1240) worked remotely, and 19.1% (237/1240) showed an assorted pattern. For daily and social settings, 4 and 5 trajectories were identified, respectively, with 11.5% (142/1240) and 14.6% (181/1240) of the participants gauged to have a high exposure risk. Compared to remote working, working regularly on-site (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.47, 95% CI 1.19-1.80) and living in a larger household (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18) were associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in wave 1. Those from the highest daily exposure risk trajectory (aHR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07-2.00) and the second highest social exposure risk trajectory (aHR 1.52, 95% CI 1.18-1.97) were also at an increased risk of infection in waves 2 and 3, respectively, relative to the lowest risk trajectory. In an infection-naive population, SARS-CoV-2 transmission was predominantly initiated at the workplace, accelerated in the household, and perpetuated in the daily and social environments, as stringent restrictions were scaled down. These patterns highlight the phasic shift of exposure settings, which is important for informing the effective calibration of targeted social distancing measures as an alternative to lockdown.

Examining The Impact of Various Factors on Working From Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges, prompting governments worldwide to implement social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus. As a response, many organizations, including government agencies, have adopted remote work policies, such as working from home (WFH), to ensure the continuity of their operations while safeguarding the health and safety of their employees. The Regional Development Planning Agency of Gunungkidul District is no exception, facing the need to implement WFH measures amidst the pandemic. However, transitioning to remote work presents various challenges, particularly in ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of public services. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence the successful implementation of WFH in this context is crucial for maintaining the quality and efficiency of public services. This study focuses on identifying these factors by examining six key variables: the availability of computers and internet networks, the ability to master technology and information, HR governance rules, organizational culture, performance evaluation instruments, and the physical conditions of the working environment. These variables were chosen based on their potential impact on WFH within the Regional Development Planning Agency. By utilizing the structural equation modeling method with the partial least squares (PLS) technique, this study aims to analyze the relationships between these variables and their effects on WFH implementation. The survey conducted with all staff of Bapeda Gunungkidul District provides valuable insights into how these factors interact and influence the successful adoption of remote work practices. The results of this study highlight the significant influence of computer and internet network availability on WFH implementation, as evidenced by the path coefficient value of 0.632, the T statistic value of 4.201, and the V value of 0.000. This finding underscores the importance of adequate technological infrastructure in facilitating remote work and ensuring the continuity of public services during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sheds light on the critical factors that impact the successful implementation of WFH in the Regional Development Planning Agency of Gunungkidul District. By understanding these factors, HR management can better navigate the challenges of remote work and develop strategies to optimize WFH practices, thereby maintaining the delivery of essential public services amidst crises.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a highly vulnerable population of Brazil: a household cohort study

Household transmission studies seek to understand the transmission dynamics of a pathogen by estimating the risk of infection from household contacts and community exposures. We estimated within/extra-household SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and associated factors in a household cohort study in one of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro city. Individuals ≥1 years-old with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the past 30 days (index cases) and household members aged ≥1 year were enrolled and followed at 14 and 28 days (study period November/2020-December/2021). RT-PCR testing, COVID-19 symptoms, and SARS-CoV-2 serologies were ascertained in all visits. Chain binomial household transmission models were fitted using data from 2024 individuals (593 households). Extra-household infection risk was 74.2% (95% credible interval [CrI] 70.3-77.8), while within-household infection risk was 11.4% (95% CrI 5.7-17.2). Participants reporting having received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine had lower extra-household (68.9%, 95% CrI 57.3-77.6) and within-household (4.1%, 95% CrI 0.4-16.6) infection risk. Within-household infection risk was higher among participants aged 10-19 years, from overcrowded households, and with low family income. Contrastingly, extra-household infection risk was higher among participants aged 20-29 years, unemployed, and public transportation users. Our study provides important insights into COVID-19 household/community transmission in a vulnerable population that resided in overcrowded households and who struggled to adhere to lockdown policies and social distancing measures. The high extra-household infection risk highlights the extreme social vulnerability of this population. Prioritising vaccination of the most socially vulnerable could protect these individuals and reduce widespread community transmission. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, CNPq, FAPERJ, Royal Society, Instituto Serrapilheira, FAPESP.

Transmission Patterns of Co-Circulation of Omicron Sub-Lineages in Hong Kong SAR, China, a City with Rigorous Social Distancing Measures, in 2022.

This study aimed to characterize the changing landscape of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the local community of Hong Kong throughout 2022. We examined how adjustments to quarantine arrangements influenced the transmission pattern of Omicron variants in a city with relatively rigorous social distancing measures at that time. In 2022, a total of 4684 local SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced using the Oxford Nanopore GridION sequencer. SARS-CoV-2 consensus genomes were generated by MAFFT, and the maximum likelihood phylogeny of these genomes was determined using IQ-TREE. The dynamic changes in lineages were depicted in a time tree created by Nextstrain. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between changes in the number of lineages and adjustments to quarantine arrangements. By the end of 2022, a total of 83 SARS-CoV-2 lineages were identified in the community. The increase in the number of new lineages was significantly associated with the relaxation of quarantine arrangements (One-way ANOVA, F(5, 47) = 18.233, p < 0.001)). Over time, Omicron BA.5 sub-lineages replaced BA.2.2 and became the predominant Omicron variants in Hong Kong. The influx of new lineages reshaped the dynamics of Omicron variants in the community without fluctuating the death rate and hospitalization rate (One-way ANOVA, F(5, 47) = 2.037, p = 0.091). This study revealed that even with an extended mandatory quarantine period for incoming travelers, it may not be feasible to completely prevent the introduction and subsequent community spread of highly contagious Omicron variants. Ongoing molecular surveillance of COVID-19 remains essential to monitor the emergence of new recombinant variants.

Adherence to social distancing measures in southern Brazil, 2020/2021: a cross-sectional study.

We aimed to analyze the frequency of adherence to social distancing and individual protection measures of adult and older populations in two cities in southern Brazil and to characterize the sociodemographic aspects of these individuals. This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in the cities of Rio Grande, RS, and Criciúma, SC, Brazil. The outcome measure was the frequency of adherence to social distancing measures. Fisher's exact test (5% significance) was used to calculate the differences in prevalence according to exposure variables. Among the 2,170 participants over the age of 18, the prevalence of adherence to social distancing was 18.5%. Adherence was significantly higher among women; older adults; single, divorced, or widowed people with a low educational level; people of lower socioeconomic status; and people affected by multiple chronic diseases. Approximately one in five respondents adhered to measures of social distancing, and adherence was more prevalent among the risk groups.

Dynamics of endemic human coronavirus and SARS-CoV-2 in a hospital of Madrid, Spain. Retrospective study from June 2020 to July 2023.

An observational and retrospective study was carried out to analyse HCoV positivity from a multiplex PCR respiratory panel and RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory samples from 1 June 2020 to 31 July 2023 at the Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital (HUPA) in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. Out of 2802 respiratory panels, 1258 (44.8%) turned out positive. HCoV was detected in 114 (4%) cases (range 0-23; median 1.5; IQR 0-3.75) with positivity rates ranging from 0% to 14%. All four variants of HCoV circulated, and OC-43 was the most common in 62.3% of cases. After the onset of the pandemic, the HCoV season was delayed 22 weeks, with a peak positivity of 9% in the summer of 2021, showing an inverse relationship with the alpha and delta waves of SARS-CoV-2. In the two subsequent autumn-winter seasons, HCoV positivity increased (11-14%) with a reduction in the summer of 2022 and 2023 following the emergence of the omicron variant and the relaxation of social distancing measures. The seasonal spread pattern of endemic HCoV might be returning to normal in our region and likely in other temperate zones of the northern hemisphere after 3 years of the pandemic.

Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: Potential impact and correlation with asthma

BackgroundNon-pharmaceutical interventions have been implemented globally to control the COVID-19 pandemic and have been shown to alleviate both allergies and respiratory infections. Although mask-wearing is an accepted non-pharmaceutical intervention, the effects of social distancing have not been thoroughly evaluated. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of social distancing on asthma trends in Seoul, South Korea. MethodsThis study included data from the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea, covering approximately 10 million people in Seoul. Daily and monthly data of patients with asthma from 2018 to 2021 were examined, and the degree of social distancing performance was measured using the number of subway users as an index. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the two indices. The change-point detection technique, cross-correlation, and Granger causality method were used to assess the temporal causality between social distancing and asthma. ResultsThe number of patients with asthma decreased by 42.4 % from 2019 to 2020, while that of subway users decreased by 26.3 % during this period. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations. Asthma and subway users showed a significant change in incidence following the implementation of social distancing; subway users showed a causal relationship with patients with asthma. ConclusionOur results showed that the number of subway users decreased after the implementation of strict social distancing, coinciding with a decrease in the number of patients with asthma. These findings suggest that social distancing measures implemented to control COVID-19 may reduce the incidence and exacerbation of asthma.

A user experience survey of an augmented reality android application for learning Coulomb’s law

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated social distancing measures, prompting a greater interest in augmented reality (AR) as a means to facilitate accessible physics experiments for students. Recognizing this, we have recently developed an Android mobile application that harnesses AR technology. The application named CoulombsLawAR allows users to investigate how electrical charges and their distance influence the electrical force between them. The primary objective of our study was to assess students’ experiences while using this AR application. To achieve this, we engaged 156 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology from University of Zagreb in the evaluation process. They were requested to utilize our AR application to complete a task specifically designed to enhance their understanding of Coulomb’s law. Subsequently, the participants were given a series of questionnaires, comprising five open-ended questions and 30 close-ended questions. These questionnaires included the System Usability Scale, User Experience, and Handheld Augmented Reality Usability Scale. In-depth analysis of the students’ feedback provided valuable insights. The majority of the participants found the application to be user-friendly, consistent in its performance, self-explanatory, and enjoyable to use. Additionally, students provided constructive feedback regarding potential enhancements that could be made to the application. Overall, the study findings indicate that the AR application we developed was well-received by undergraduate students, highlighting its potential as an effective tool for teaching and learning physics concepts.

Electrifying Fruit Juice: Integrating Applied Electroanalytical Chemistry into the Undergraduate Curriculum.

Electroanalytical chemistry has been advanced through portable devices, providing methods and sensors for the detection of analytes with high sensitivity and accuracy. This subfield of electrochemistry has the potential to be utilized in industry and analytical quality control, in general. This results in an increasing demand for trained personnel, capable of operating benchtop and portable electroanalytical equipment. Although electrochemical techniques are routinely taught in theoretical undergraduate courses, they need to be more often incorporated into experimental didactic activities. Herein, we describe the application of an effective, hands-on, and low-maintenance experiment that can enhance the learning experience of electroanalytical methods and their use in industrial quality control settings. This activity is based on the detection of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) by employing cyclic voltammetry at unmodified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) in real juice samples. This didactic experiment teaches students about the theoretical concepts of cyclic voltammetry, three-electrode cell setup, chemical reversibility, data treatment, and quantitative analysis. This teaching approach was conducted in a second-year analytical chemistry course and was easily adapted to social distancing measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Da sobrevivência à resiliência: práticas de gestão nas academias em período de crise pandêmica

The study deals with how fitness centers are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to investigate the management practices most used to deal with the pandemic crisis. To this end, a qualitative, descriptive study was carried out using a literature review (GERHARDT; SILVEIRA, 2009). Searches were carried out in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and in the journal ACAD, due to their outstanding relevance in the fitness field. The selection criteria were based on the relevance of the texts found, which were analyzed using the following criteria: a) central discussion relating gyms to the context of the pandemic crisis; b) content related to management in gyms; c) real contributions to the development of gym management. Bardin's (2011) content analysis was used to gain a deeper understanding of the data obtained. As a result, were found 2661 scientific articles. Of these, 24 were pre-selected, of which 14 participated in the discussion of this work. The findings suggested that academies were significantly impacted by the decrees that ordered their closure. The lack of preparation and infrastructure to deal with crises, as well as the excessive reliance on face-to-face activities and the lack of diversification of the services offered, contributed to the sector's vulnerability. It was clear that some gyms were unable to overcome the reduction in revenue and ended up closing down, while others invested in live or recorded classes and outdoor classes in order to keep customers engaged and generate revenue, overcoming the adversity. The management practices most present in this context were: strategic planning; safety, risk and hygiene management; financial management; crisis management; people management; human resources management; partnership management and digital marketing; project management and information technology; and innovation management. As final considerations, the study revealed the significant impact of the pandemic on Brazilian academies. In addition to the total closure phase, gyms were also affected by the public's negative perception of the risks of contamination in closed environments and with crowds. Those that managed to stay in business had to reorganize their spaces to ensure social distancing, implement hygiene and safety measures and look for innovative ways to generate revenue. The management practices identified not only enabled them to survive, but also showed the way to the gyms' resilience and ability to reinvent themselves.

MODERNIZING REMOTE HIRING: IMPROVING EFFECTIVE RECRUITING WITH AI-POWERED VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS

Abstract – This study details the conception, creation, and assessment of a cutting-edge virtual interviewing tool intended to transform the interview procedure for a range of use cases, such as college applications and employment interviews. Using state-of-the-art technologies like Chat GPT, Node.js, React.js, AWS, and ASP. Net, C#, and Mongo DB, the application helps to cut down on administrative costs while streamlining the interview process and improving applicant experience and assessment. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the resulting rapid evolution of recruiting and recruitment procedures, virtual interview solutions have become necessary in order to support distant work and social distancing measures. Because of this shift, hiring procedures now use artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) technology to reduce human bias and enable automated applicant evaluation. The online conversation Efficiency and user experience are given top priority in the application built for this project. Using an intuitive UI and smooth communication, applicants may participate in interactive interviews from the comfort of their homes. Both interviewers and candidates may save a significant amount of time by using the program to automate operations like arranging interviews, choosing questions, and rating candidates. An organized methodology is used in the development process, which includes phases for requirement analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and assessment. User expectations and regulatory compliance are met by the program through incremental changes made possible by usability testing and stakeholder input gathering. The app’s ability to streamline conventional interview procedures and produce cost savings, greater applicant satisfaction, and efficiency are what make it significant. By demonstrating how cutting-edge technology are integrated and resolving legal and In light of ethical concerns, this study advances the domains of educational technology and staffing, opening the door for new developments. Keywords – The virtual interviewing tool utilizes Chat GPT for AI-driven interactions, Node.js for server-side operations, and React.js for a dynamic user interface. AWS provides scalable cloud infrastructure, while ASP.NET and C# manage application development and business logic. Mongo DB is the database solution, storing applicant data and interview information. Together, these technologies streamline the interview process, reduce administrative costs, and enhance applicant experience and assessment accuracy.

Road Safety Evaluation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Analysis on Brazilian Federal Highways

Because of the increase in the number of cases of COIVD-19, government authorities needed to contain the spread and implemented several measures, including restricting hours of operation and social distancing measures, such as isolation. This leads to a considerable decrease in urban mobility and, consequently, to an effect on road safety. Therefore, the problem question arises: What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on road safety on Brazilian federal highways? Thus, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the safety trends during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This paper used the crash database from the Brazilian Federal Highway Police (PRF), was analyzed, which enabled identifying changes in crash occurrence in 2020 when compared to the previous years (2011 - 2019). A decrease in the number of crashes on federal highways was observed, which might not have a direct relationship with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social contact patterns during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Norway: insights from a panel study, April to September 2020

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries adopted social distance measures and lockdowns of varying strictness. Social contact patterns are essential in driving the spread of respiratory infections, and country-specific measurements are needed. This study aimed to gain insights into changes in social contacts and behaviour during the early pandemic phase in Norway.MethodsWe conducted an online panel study among a nationally representative sample of Norwegian adults by age and gender. The panel study included six data collections waves between April and September 2020, and 2017 survey data from a random sample of the Norwegian population (including children < 18 years old) were used as baseline. The market research company Ipsos was responsible for carrying out the 2020 surveys. We calculated mean daily contacts, and estimated age-stratified contact matrices during the study period employing imputation of child-to-child contacts. We used the next-generation method to assess the relative reduction of R0 and compared the results to reproduction numbers estimated for Norway during the 2020 study period.ResultsOver the six waves in 2020, 5 938 observations/responses were registered from 1 718 individuals who reported data on 22 074 contacts. The mean daily number of contacts among adults varied between 3.2 (95%CI 3.0-3.4) to 3.9 (95%CI 3.6–4.2) across the data collection waves, representing a 67–73% decline compared to pre-pandemic levels (baseline). Fewer contacts in the community setting largely drove the reduction; the drop was most prominent among younger adults. Despite gradual easing of social distance measures during the survey period, the estimated population contact matrices remained relatively stable and displayed more inter-age group mixing than at baseline. Contacts within households and the community outside schools and workplaces contributed most to social encounters. Using the next-generation method R0 was found to be roughly 25% of pre-pandemic levels during the study period, suggesting controlled transmission.ConclusionSocial contacts declined significantly in the months following the March 2020 lockdown, aligning with implementation of stringent social distancing measures. These findings contribute valuable empirical information into the social behaviour in Norway during the early pandemic, which can be used to enhance policy-relevant models for addressing future crises when mitigation measures might be implemented.

A comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 nonlinear mathematical model by incorporating the environment and social distancing

This research conducts a detailed analysis of a nonlinear mathematical model representing COVID-19, incorporating both environmental factors and social distancing measures. It thoroughly analyzes the model’s equilibrium points, computes the basic reproductive rate, and evaluates the stability of the model at disease-free and endemic equilibrium states, both locally and globally. Additionally, sensitivity analysis is carried out. The study develops a sophisticated stability theory, primarily focusing on the characteristics of the Volterra–Lyapunov (V–L) matrices method. To understand the dynamic behavior of COVID-19, numerical simulations are essential. For this purpose, the study employs a robust numerical technique known as the non-standard finite difference (NSFD) method, introduced by Mickens. Various results are visually presented through graphical representations across different parameter values to illustrate the impact of environmental factors and social distancing measures.

Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Brazilian Immigrants: Prevalence, Determinants, and Global Health Implications

Background: Vaccine hesitancy extends beyond simple refusal to receive immunizations, encompassing psychological, cultural, and sociodemographic factors that influence individuals’ perceptions and decision-making regarding vaccines. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Brazilian immigrants. Methods: A survey targeting Brazilian immigrants in Portugal was conducted from May to August 2020, involving 598 participants. The study explored the relationship between vaccine hesitancy and non-compliance with social distancing measures using a Poisson regression model with robust variance to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs). Results: The study identified a vaccine hesitancy rate of 15.1% among Brazilian immigrants. Older individuals (aged 50 and above) exhibited a significantly higher hesitancy, with an adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) of 10.0 (95% CI: 1.8 - 13.6). Those adhering to a religion were 2.3 times more likely to hesitate (95% CI: 1.4 - 3.4), and a reluctance to follow social distancing measures was associated with a 10.4 times higher hesitancy rate (95% CI: 4.2 - 15.4). Highlighting these correlations is vital for developing strategies to enhance vaccine acceptance and tackle public health challenges. Conclusions: There is a notable rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Brazilian immigrants in Portugal, significantly influenced by age, religious practice, and non-adherence to social distancing measures. Implementing targeted educational and awareness programs is recommended to reduce hesitancy and improve vaccine coverage within this community and in similar settings.

Impact of Social Distancing in the Lives of Individuals with Vision Impairments

ABSTRACT Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are likely to be one of the most vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19 because of the circumstances, such as requiring close contact with care providers, difficulty in maintaining social distancing from other people. Utilising semi-structured interviews and a thematic content analysis technique, this paper analysed the impact of COVID-19 and the corresponding social distancing measures on individuals with visual impairments in Nepal. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 individuals employed in various sectors. In relation to difficulties arising from social distancing, participants experienced challenges, particularly in mobility, shopping for daily goods, participation in social and cultural functions, and banking services. While participants reported mixed feelings on the behaviour from their families, they experienced avoidance from friends without disabilities and pedestrians, which was perceived by them as biases and stigma that PWDs may infect others with COVID-19. Additionally, participants were anxious about their daily living, partly due to the spread of COVID-19, inadequate awareness of market owners on the needs, and restriction measures without any assistance for PWDs.

Covid Lockdown and Employment in the Philippines

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted employment worldwide, mainly due to social distancing measures – hard lockdowns especially. Using difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis on Philippine Labor Force Survey (LFS) data, which exploits (1) the preemptive and selective application of a hard lockdown within the country; and (2) the conduct of the LFS coinciding with the imposition of the hard lockdown in April 2020, this study finds that the hard lockdown has a significant impact on employment apart from the general impact of the pandemic. The hard lockdown’s effect falls mainly on the intensive margin (weekly hours worked) rather than on the extensive margin (number of employed) per se. While employment and hours worked were generally down during the pandemic, the hard lockdown reduced weekly hours worked by an additional 18 hours. The most heavily affected workers are young male workers with low to medium educational attainment levels; and workers in sectors with low telework potential: Manufacturing, Construction, and Transportation. These results may inform the scope and form of government assistance given the limited fiscal space; and highlight the importance of developing digital skills and technologies to minimize the adverse employment impacts of hard lockdowns.

From the COVID-19 lockdown to the new normal: Two-year changes in daily stress and positive event processes.

The emergence of the novel COVID-19 disease and the social distancing measures implemented to curb its spread affected most aspects of daily life. Past work suggests that during times of more severe stress, people respond to daily stressors with relatively higher negative affect. However, little is known about how people responded to daily stressors and positive events at different moments in time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we examined longitudinal changes in daily event-related affect (covariation of daily stressors or positive events with same-day affect) from Spring 2020 (wave 1) to 2022 (wave 2). The sample consisted of 324 adults aged 18-80 (mean=52years; 89% women) from the US and Canada who completed weeklong daily diaries at both waves. The results revealed improvements in affective well-being, stressor-related affect (i.e., smaller fluctuations in affect on stressor days vs. nonstressor days), and positive event-related affect (i.e., lower negative affect on days with vs. without positive events). Furthermore, as people gradually resumed their social activities from 2020 to 2022, people reported being exposed to an increased frequency of both stressors and positive events. This study highlights the potential influence of socio-historical phenomena, such as an ongoing pandemic, on the events that people encounter and how they emotionally respond to them.

Association between meteorological variations and the superspreading potential of SARS-CoV-2 infections

BackgroundWhile many investigations examined the association between environmental covariates and COVID-19 incidence, none have examined their relationship with superspreading, a characteristic describing very few individuals disproportionally infecting a large number of people. MethodsContact tracing data of all the laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong from February 16, 2020 to April 30, 2021 were used to form the infection clusters for estimating the time-varying dispersion parameter (kt), a measure of superspreading potential. Generalized additive models with identity link function were used to examine the association between negative-log kt (larger means higher superspreading potential) and the environmental covariates, adjusted with mobility metrics that account for the effect of social distancing measures. ResultsA total of 6,645 clusters covering 11,717 cases were reported over the study period. After centering at the median temperature, a lower ambient temperature at 10th percentile (18.2 °C) was significantly associated with a lower estimate of negative-log kt (adjusted expected change: −0.239 [95 % CI: −0.431 to −0.048]). While a U-shaped relationship between relative humidity and negative-log kt was observed, an inverted U-shaped relationship with actual vapour pressure was found. A higher total rainfall was significantly associated with lower estimates of negative-log kt. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a link between meteorological factors and the superspreading potential of COVID-19. We speculated that cold weather and rainy days reduced the social activities of individuals minimizing the interaction with others and the risk of spreading the diseases in high-risk facilities or large clusters, while the extremities of relative humidity may favor the stability and survival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Intimate partner violence and its correlates in middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-country secondary analysis.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Middle-aged and older adults, ages 45 years or older, are at higher risk of COVID-19 mortality and social isolation. However, most studies on IPV during the pandemic do not focus on this important subpopulation. Informed by the social-ecological theory, this study examines individual, household, community, and country-level correlates of IPV among middle-aged and older adults in multiple countries using a cross-sectional online survey. Data from 2867 participants aged 45 or older in the International Sexual Health and Reproductive Health (I-SHARE) survey from July 2020 to February 2021 were described using univariate analysis. IPV was defined using four validated WHO measures. Individual characteristics included self-isolation and food security. At the country-level, we examined social distancing stringency. Logistic regression models with a random intercept for country were conducted to explore IPV correlates among 1730 eligible individuals from 20 countries with complete data. Most participants were heterosexual (2469/2867), cisgender (2531/2867) females (1589/2867) between the ages of 45-54 (1539/2867). 12.1% (346/2867) of participants experienced IPV during social distancing measures. After adjustment, participants who self-isolated experienced 1.4 (95% CI 1.0, 2.0, p = 0.04) times the odds of IPV compared to those who had not isolated. Those who reported an increase in food insecurity compared to pre-pandemic experienced 2.2 times the odds (95% CI 1.6, 3.0, p<0.0001) of IPV compared to those who did not report increased food insecurity. People in countries with more stringent social distancing policies were less likely to experience IPV compared to people in countries with lower levels of stringency (aOR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4, 0.9, p = 0.04). IPV was common among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our data suggest the need for further crisis management and social protection measures for middle-aged and older adults who have intersecting vulnerabilities to IPV to mitigate COVID-19 impact.