Sanitary Protocols Research Articles

African swine fever: implications for the Italian pork trade.

In early 2022, the confirmed presence of African swine fever (ASF) circulating in wild boars in mainland Italy and subsequently found in domestic pigs led to several changes regarding the export of pork and pork products to countries outside the European Union (non-EU). The sector suffered the complete and immediate closure of the markets of some countries, often without the measure being communicated in the forms stipulated by international agreements. Indeed, compliance with the current EU regulations does not guarantee the possibility of exporting to non-EU countries. Knowledge of the animal health status requirements of the country (Italy in this case) is essential for food business operators (FBOs) wishing to enter markets outside the EU according to the 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures'. In cases where a sanitary protocol and a model of an official certificate with the importing country exist, the market is officially accessible according to the agreed sanitary requirements. Where no agreement exists, requirements are detailed in the 'import permit' issued to individual FBOs or may be known by directly accessing national regulations through the client/importer. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to briefly outline the conditions imposed by the main non-EU countries for pork products, especially in light of the new epidemiological situation created by the spread of the ASF into a country previously free of the disease.

Assessment tools in food safety and adherence to the sanitary protocol for coping with COVID-19 in food services

Food services, which must meet the sanitary standards for food production, needed to adapt to COVID-19 protocols in times of pandemic. In this context, the study of food safety assessment tools and sanitary protocols can contribute to the systematization of sanitary control actions and to the understanding how services have adapted to the new requirements. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the relationships among the results of the assessment tools for food safety and adherence to the sanitary protocol for coping with COVID-19 in food services. Sanitary inspections were performed in 40 food services located in the center of the city of São Paulo – Brazil. Data were collected through the application of four checklists to evaluate the following: i. risk for FBD; ii. Good Handling Practices; iii. the structural requirements; and iv. The implementation of the COVID-19 sanitary protocol. The risk assessment tool was interpreted using a risk score, with each item weighted according to the risk for FBD. The results of the other tools were evaluated using the overall percentage of violated items. The results showed the predominance of high risk of GHP in the food services evaluated and a high percentage of violation of Good Handling Practices and structural requirements. The percentage of violation of the COVID-19 health protocol was moderate in most establishments. The degree of risk showed a high positive correlation with Good Handling Practices violations (Spearman ρ = 0.73; p < 0.001) and structural requirements (Spearman ρ = 0.63; p < 0.001). Regarding the tool for assessing adherence to the COVID-19 sanitary protocol, a moderate correlation was found with the violations of Good Handling Practices (Spearman ρ = 0.65; p < 0.001), with an emphasis on the thematic block relevant to food handlers. This discussion of the relationships among the results of the evaluation tools and their measurements may therefore be useful for improving the application of these tools by professionals involved in inspection activities, allowing the greater systematization of sanitary control actions and contributing to reduced risk of FBD.

Barriers to entry into Ehpad since the Covid-19 crisis: a qualitative study of people over 65 in Marseille

From the outset of the Covid-19 health crisis, residential care facilities for the dependent elderly (Ehpad) were faced with health and safety challenges. Strict infection prevention measures, such as visiting restrictions and the implementation of sanitary protocols, have been essential to protect residents. While Ehpad occupancy rates were stable before the health crisis, they fell sharply in the aftermath of Covid-19.

Characterization of dual-species biofilms formed by bacteria isolated from milk

This study evaluated biofilm formation of bacteria isolated from raw milk and investigated the composition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) using Raman spectroscopy. Biofilms were formed from six isolates on a 96-well microplate at 7 and 25 °C in 1 and 10% reconstituted whole milk. Biofilms were then formed on stainless steel coupons at 7 °C from two isolates identified as strong biofilm producers. Pseudomonas fluorescens, a frequent contaminant of raw milk, forms single or dual-species biofilms with Staphylococcus aureus; however, the sessile cell number of S. aureus remained constant over ten days. Raman spectroscopy identified that EPS composition varied with carbohydrate and protein substrates, the predominant components in P. fluorescens single or dual-species biofilms. Understanding the formation and composition of biofilms at different temperatures and in milk concentrations that simulate the equipment used in the dairy industry is a significant subsidy for establishing adequate sanitary protocols for their mitigation.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains in bovine carcasses and the impact on the animal production chain.

Foodborne diseases are characterized by conditions that can induce symptomatic illnesses in their carriers, and therefore represent a serious problem. They are important conditions from a clinical and epidemiological point of view, and are associated with the occurrence of serious public health problems, with a strong impact on morbidity and mortality. The Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an enterobacterium associated with enteric conditions of variable intensity and which are accompanied by blood. The transmission routes are mainly based on the consumption of contaminated food and water sources. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are considered a serogroup of E. coli, are capable of producing Shiga-type toxins (Stx 1 and Stx 2) and the O157:H7 strain is one of the best-known serotypes. The early detection of this pathogen is very important, especially due to the capacity of contamination of carcasses destined for food consumption and supply of productive markets. Sanitary protocols must be developed and constantly reviewed in order to prevent/control the presence of the pathogen.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON AGRI-FOOD ENTERPRISES IN THE PELOPONNESE REGION

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, it affected the economic and social life of people worldwide. This paper aims to investigate the problems arising from the pandemic in the production process of 405 agri-food enterprises including producers (farmers, livestock farmers, fishermen), processors/micro, small, and medium agri-food enterprises located in a predominantly rural area of Greece, the Peloponnese region. The data were obtained by a detailed online questionnaire survey (quantitative analysis). According to the analysis of the results, it was found that the responses regarding the distribution of products, were almost equally divided between low and high difficulty. Furthermore, despite the increased production costs by implementing sanitary protocols, the agri-food enterprises absorbed it internally and did not pass it through the price of the product. Both the quantity and the quality of produced foodstuffs were practically hardly affected. Also, agri-food enterprises have not been seriously affected by product loss and waste. Furthermore, lockdowns are contributing to labor shortages for agriculture enterprises, particularly those characterized by periods of peak seasonal labor demand. The usage of e-shops was limited and almost half of the enterprises were not satisfied with State funding. The uncertain economic environment creates insecurity among producers and agri-food entrepreneurs for sustainability and future investments. Local and regional authorities together with the State must take relief measures to provide financial support to producers and agri-food entrepreneurs, so that the food supply chain functions properly and we do not face a food crisis

Lightweight neural architectures to improve COVID-19 identification

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global impact, transforming how we manage infectious diseases and interact socially. Researchers from various fields have worked tirelessly to develop vaccines on an unprecedented scale, while different countries have developed various sanitary protocols to deal with more contagious variants. Machine learning-assisted diagnosis has emerged as a powerful tool that can help health professionals deliver faster and more accurate outcomes. However, medical systems that rely on deep learning often require extensive data, which may be impractical for real-world applications. This paper compares lightweight neural architectures for COVID-19 identification using chest X-rays, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Additionally, a web tool has been developed that accepts chest computer tomography images and outputs the probability of COVID-19 infection along with a heatmap of the regions used by the intelligent system to make this determination. The experiments indicate that most lightweight architectures considered in the study can identify COVID-19 correctly, but further investigation is necessary. Lightweight neural architectures show promise in computer-aided COVID-19 diagnosis using chest X-rays, but they did not reach accuracy rates above 88%, which is necessary for medical applications. These findings suggest that additional research is necessary to improve the accuracy of lightweight models and make them practical for real-world use.

Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services for people with disabilities: report from rehabilitation professionals

Several healthcare processes, including rehabilitation, require prompt initiation and cannot be interrupted. Therefore, these processes underwent important adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is not fully known how healthcare facilities adapted their strategies and what the results were. This study investigated how rehabilitation services were affected during the pandemic and what strategies were employed to maintain the provided services. From June 2020 to February 2021, 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working in rehabilitation services from the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS), who work at one of the three levels of care, in the municipalities of Santos and São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via content analysis. The professionals reported organizational changes in their services, with the initial interruption of appointments and, subsequently, the adoption of new sanitary protocols and the gradual return to in-person and/or remote appointments. Working conditions were directly impacted, as there was a need for staffing, training, increased workloads, as well as physical and mental exhaustion among professionals. The pandemic caused a series of changes in healthcare services, some of which were interrupted due to the suspension of numerous services and appointments. Some in-person appointments were maintained exclusively for patients who presented a risk of short-term deterioration. Preventive sanitary measures and strategies for continuity of care were adopted.

The COVID-19 Sentinel Schools Network of Catalonia (CSSNC) project: Associated factors to prevalence and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in educational settings during the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Sentinel Schools project was designed to monitor and evaluate the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Catalonia, gathering evidence for health and education policies to inform the development of health protocols and public health interventions to control of SARS-CoV-2 infection in schools. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections and to identify their determinants among students and staff during February to June in the academic year 2020-2021. We performed two complementary studies, a cross-sectional and a longitudinal component, using a questionnaire to collect nominal data and testing for SARS-CoV-2 detection. We describe the results and perform a univariate and multivariate analysis. The initial crude seroprevalence was 14.8% (95% CI: 13.1-16.5) and 22% (95% CI: 18.3-25.8) for students and staff respectively, and the active infection prevalence was 0.7% (95% CI: 0.3-1) and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.1-2). The overall incidence for persons at risk was 2.73 per 100 person-month and 2.89 and 2.34 per 100 person-month for students and staff, respectively. Socioeconomic, self-reported knowledge, risk perceptions and contact pattern variables were positively associated with the outcome while sanitary measure compliance was negatively associated, the same significance trend was observed in multivariate analysis. In the longitudinal component, epidemiological close contact with SARS-CoV-2 infection was a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection while the highest socioeconomic status level was protective as was compliance with sanitary measures. The small number of active cases detected in these schools suggests a low transmission among children in school and the efficacy of public health measures implemented, at least in the epidemiological scenario of the study period. The major contribution of this study was to provide results and evidence that help analyze the transmission dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 and evaluate the associations between sanitary protocols implemented, and measures to avoid SARS-CoV-2 spread in schools.

Use of MALDI-TOF for identification and surveillance of gram-negative bacteria in captive wild psittacines.

Microbiological studies of the sanitary and health status of psittacine birds that will be reintroduced is important in evaluating whether these animals act as carriers of pathogenic agents to other animals and humans. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a faster and more accurate method to identify bacteria than conventional microbiology methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of psittacines housed in captivity, by assessment of Gram-negative bacteria from fecal microbiota through MALDI- TOF MS identification. The results indicate high frequency of Gram-negative bacteria in feces (96.5%), especially from the Enterobacteriaceae family (88.7%). The most prevalent bacteria were Escherichia coli (39.0%), Proteus vulgaris (12.2%), Klebsiella spp. (12.1%) and Raoultella ornithinolytica (8.7%). Proteus hauseri, Citrobacter spp., Morganella morgannii, Providencia rettgeri, Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia hermannii were isolated with lower frequency. . All these agents are potentially pathogenic for parrots and can cause systemic infections in other animals and humans. These findings reinforce that MALDI- TOF MS proved to be a rapid and accurate method of identification of the microorganism and evaluation of the health status of psittacines, providing relevant data to assist decision-making regarding the sanitary protocols in wildlife centers, and possible future reintroduction of wild birds.

AI-based System for the Detection and Prevention of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had catastrophic consequences all over the world since the detection of the first case in December 2019. Currently, exponential growth is expected. In order to stop the spread of this pandemic, it is necessary to respect sanitary protocols such as the mandatory wearing of masks. In this research paper, we present an affordable artificial intelligence-based solution to increase the protection against COVID-19, covering several relevant aspects to facilitate the detection and prevention of this pandemic: non-contact temperature measurement, mask detection, automatic gel-dispensing, and automatic sterilization. Our main contribution is to provide high-quality, real-time learning and analysis. To achieve this goal, we used a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) based on MobileNetV2 architecture as the learning algorithm and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) as an encryption protocol for sending secure data to notify hospital staff. The experimental results show the effectiveness of our model by providing 99.7% accuracy in detecting masks with a runtime of 1.54 s.

Mortalidade causada por nematódeos gastrintestinais em bovinos de corte submetidos a protocolo sanitário inadequado

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings of two outbreaks of gastrointestinal nematode infections in beef cattle kept under an inadequate sanitary protocol. An outbreak of trichostrongylosis occurred in Amambai, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), from May to July 2016. The herd consisted of 3,000 Nellore cows, and of these, fifteen died after showing emaciation and diarrhea and remaining in recumbency. At necropsy, the abomasum showed edema in the folds, white, raised areas, multifocal to coalescent, and small ulcers. Histopathology showed larvae compatible with trichostrongylid nematodes were present inside the abomasum glands. Trichostrongylus axei was identify in the abomasum. The hemonchosis outbreak began in October 2018, in a breeding and finishing property in Santa Rita do Pardo, MS. Of 4,000 cattle aged 8 to 18 months, 673 became ill and 117 died. Clinical signs were emaciation, weakness, dehydration, submandibular edema, and soft stools. At necropsy, large numbers of nematodes were found in the abomasum; they were morphologically classified as Haemonchus placei. Both outbreaks were caused by failures in the parasite control protocol. However, in Outbreak I, frost and immune stress caused by lack of food may have contributed to the deaths. In Outbreak I, the main failure in the devermination protocol was the use of anthelmintics without carrying out an efficacy test. In Outbreak II, there was no parasite control protocol in the rearing and finishing property, and in the breeding property, there was resistance to the anthelmintic used (ivermectin). The two outbreaks highlight the importance of gastrointestinal nematode control protocols in cattle and demonstrate that infections by T. axei and H. placei can be lethal for this species.

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases per Economic Activity during Autumn Wave in Belgium.

Some occupational sectors, such as human health and care, food service, cultural and sport activities, have been associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection than other sectors. To curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2, it is preferable to apply targeted non-pharmaceutical interventions on selected economic sectors, rather than a full lockdown. However, the effect of these general and sector-specific interventions on the virus circulation has only been sparsely studied. We assess the COVID-19 incidence under different levels of non-pharmaceutical interventions per economic activity during the autumn 2020 wave in Belgium. The 14-day incidence of confirmed COVID-19 cases per the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community (NACE–BEL) sector is modelled by a longitudinal Gaussian-Gaussian two-stage approach. This is based on exhaustive data on all employees in all sectors. In the presence of sanitary protocols and minimal non-pharmaceutical interventions, many sectors with close contact with others show considerably higher COVID-19 14-day incidences than other sectors. The effect of stricter non-pharmaceutical interventions in the general population and non-essential sectors is seen in the timing of the peak incidence and the width and height of the post-peak incidence. In most sectors incidences returned to higher levels after the peak than before and this decrease took longer for the health and care sector. Sanitary protocols for close proximity occupations may be sufficient during periods of low-level virus circulation, but progressively less with increasing circulation. Stricter general and sector-specific non-pharmaceutical interventions adequately decrease COVID-19 incidences, even in close proximity in essential sectors under solely sanitary protocols.

The Effect of Mask & Face Shield on the General Discomfort of the Workers in the Food Industry: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Using face mask & face shield and practicing hand sanitary measures mitigate the risk of getting COVID-19. However, different types of discomfort have been long associated with these especially among healthcare workers. An online survey with 255 respondents was conducted to investigate the discomfort felt by another group of frontliners: food & beverage company workers. Based on the SEM, it was found that exposure to PPE & sanitary protocols significantly explains general discomfort. Visual discomfort, skin irritation, and breathing difficulty contribute most to general discomfort. This study linked overall discomfort to work difficulties. Parts of the face that are most prone to discomfort were identified: ears, nose, and cheeks. For demographics, age, department, and role could affect the severity of specific types of discomfort. This study aims to be the basis for more SEM models and creation of more ergonomic PPE & sanitary protocols in the F & B industry.

Government commitment to tourism and hospitality sector during COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the tourism policy commitment of the government of Uzbekistan to bring back the tourists and sustain the tourism and hospitality sector during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study employed qualitative documentary research methodology using the thematic analysis with the support of the Nvivo 12 to analyze Google news articles published in the English language. The results demonstrated that the government of Uzbekistan employed a variety of policies and measures geared towards tourists and businesses during the pandemic. Mainly, the government showed confidence and trust in its policies by providing financial compensation to tourists if they get the Covid-19 infection, improved sanitary conditions and travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus. In terms of businesses, the government was dedicated to restoring and mitigating the adverse outcomes of Covid-19 in the tourism and hospitality sector by providing subsidies and certification that the company is following the sanitary protocols. The findings of this study illustrate that the government of Uzbekistan should continue feeding the media with the information related to strategies implemented towards reviving the tourism and hospitality sector, which will build the confidence of the tourists and businesses during the pandemic period.

Social Psychology of Coronavirus Disease 2019: Do Fatalism and Comparative Optimism Affect Attitudes and Adherence to Sanitary Protocols?

The potential of mitigating the spreading rate and consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) currently depends on adherence to sanitary protocols (e.g., hand hygiene and social distancing). The current study aimed to investigate the role of fatalism and comparative optimism for adherence to COVID-19 protocols. We also tested whether these factors are directly associated with adherence or associated through attitudinal mediation. The results were based on a web survey conducted among university students (n = 370) in Tehran, Iran. The respondents completed a multidimensional measure of fatalism (general fatalism, internality, and luck) and measures of comparative optimism, attitudes toward COVID-19 health measures, and adherence. The estimated structural equation model explained approximately 40% of the total variance in attitudes toward COVID-19 protocols and adherence. As expected, high internality was associated with stronger adherence, whereas luck was associated with weaker adherence. Comparative optimism was more strongly associated with adherence than fatalism, and somewhat unexpectedly comparative optimism was associated with stronger adherence. Analyses of direct and indirect effects suggested that fatalism was mainly mediated through attitudes, whereas comparative optimism had both direct and mediated effects. The findings are discussed in relation to the role of these social psychological factors for COVID-19 mitigation.

Prácticas de innovación implementadas por las MIPYMES del sector restaurantero ante el COVID-19 en Tabasco, México

Introducción: En la actualidad, las MIPYMES restauranteras en el estado de Tabasco, México deben reestructurar su propuesta de valor para enfrentar un entorno donde la contingencia sanitaria propiciada por el COVID-19 plantea oportunidades y amenazas a su efectividad. No obstante, poco se sabe sobre las prácticas que este tipo de empresas han realizado y los resultados que han obtenido durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en la región sureste de México. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente artículo consiste en identificar las prácticas de innovación que han implementado las MIPYMES del sector restaurantero en el municipio de Teapa, Tabasco durante el primer trimestre de la pandemia por COVID- 19 y los resultados derivados de su implementación. Método: Se presenta una investigación descriptiva, con diseño metodológico no experimental, transversal y enfoque cualitativo, empleando la entrevista semiestructurada como técnica de recolección de datos. La selección de la muestra fue por conveniencia, considerándose como unidades de análisis a seis MIPYMES ubicadas en el municipio de Teapa, Tabasco identificadas como restaurantes con servicio de preparación de alimentos a la carta o de comida corrida. Los informantes clave fueron los gerentes o propietarios de las MIPYMES participantes. Resultados: Se identificó que las MIPYMES restauranteras visitadas han implementado prácticas de innovación en diferentes áreas de la empresa, destacándose la innovación de proceso a través de cambios en la forma de producción y distribución de platillos e implementación de rigurosos protocolos sanitarios; innovación de organización por medio de la asociatividad empresarial, modificaciones en la infraestructura y de acciones que favorecen la salud ocupacional; innovación de mercadotecnia, realizando la promoción y publicidad de bienes y servicios mediante el uso de tecnologías y redes sociales, e innovación de producto mediante la elaboración y venta de nuevos productos. A partir de la implementación de estas acciones, los informantes clave manifestaron haber tenido resultados favorables reflejados en los siguientes indicadores: satisfacción del cliente, rentabilidad, aprovechamiento del capital relacional y salud ocupacional. Discusión: Los desafíos derivados de la pandemia por COVID-19 han motivado la innovación en diferentes ámbitos de las MIPYMES del sector restaurantero en el municipio de Teapa, Tabasco como medio para la superar la crisis económica del país y de la región. Por lo tanto, se concluye que la innovación ante la crisis sanitaria no es una necesidad eventual sino un estilo de vida que deben adoptar las empresas de este sector como parte de su cultura empresarial.

Purchase behavior in COVID-19: A cross study in Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador

This article explores the critical factors of consumption in Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia, due to confinement and social distancing. Besides, which are the factors that influence the purchase decision. In the proposed model, we tested from quantitative research with a sample of 2,065 online consumers. We analyzed the following statistics: CFA, structural equations, invariance of measurement instruments, and multi-group analysis with the Smart Pls 3 and EQS 6.3 software. The study reveals that time, space, and place in the consumption process is more visible in the purchasing behavior with social distancing, healthy distance, and the commercial restriction caused by the health contingency. In addition to being a health and humanitarian crisis, the pandemic has severe economic consequences worldwide as 1) the increase in unemployment rates, 2) collapsed health systems, 3) education models overwhelmed by technology, 4) supply chains interrupted by the closure of borders, 5) international and domestic tourism suspended due to a lack of sanitary protocols,6) social coexistence curtailed by significantly increased infections and 7) a decreasing demand by consumers for the closure of companies. Despite being Latin American countries, cultural differences were not the priority of consumption in the crisis period due to Covid-19. They significantly change purchasing behaviors, and all have adapted to online and home delivery purchases by the social factor, local consumption, and consumers' attitude. The article presents several considerations on the main factors of consumption in Covid-19 in collectivist countries (North American and South America) such as Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador and finds no substantial differences with consumers. There are practical implications for companies to adopt online channels and to create sales strategies in the face of the endemic pandemic.

Un exemple de réorganisation dans le fonctionnement d’un Centre d’investigations cliniques en période de confinement national suite à la pandémie COVID-19

ContexteLe Centre d’investigations cliniques de l’Hôpital Saint-Louis (CIC-1427) est une structure dédiée qui accueille des patients inclus dans des essais cliniques essentiellement de phases précoces (première administration chez l’homme, phases I et II). Ces patients sont accueillis dans des locaux autorisés et validés par l’Agence régionale de santé (ARS). En mars 2020, face à la pandémie de la COVID-19 et aux mesures de confinement national de la population décidées, par le gouvernement français, le CIC-1427 a dû adapter rapidement ses procédures de fonctionnement pour assurer la sécurité des patients et de son personnel.ObjectifAssurer une prise en charge optimale des patients inclus dans les essais cliniques de phases précoces, tout en respectant les bonnes pratiques cliniques (BPC) et les bonnes pratiques professionnelles des CIC (BPP des CIC), les exigences des promoteurs de chaque protocole, la sécurité des patients et du personnel multidisciplinaire (infirmiers, aide-soignants [AS], assistants de recherche clinique [ARC], coordonnateur d’études cliniques [CEC]), chefs de projets, cadre de santé et médecins investigateurs), dans le contexte de la crise sanitaire liée à la COVID-19.Méthodes et résultatsDe par son activité, nécessitant des tâches en présentiel, chaque personnel de l’équipe spécialisée en recherche clinique du CIC-1427 a dû adapter son activité quotidienne aux contraintes de la crise sanitaire. De nouvelles procédures spécifiques ont été rapidement élaborées, pour faire face à la pandémie. La plupart des visites médicales sur site ont été remplacées par des téléconsultations avec bilans biologiques dans les laboratoires de proximité, les « remote monitoring » ont remplacé les visites de monitoring sur site, les traitements ont été envoyés au domicile de chaque patient via des coursiers après accord des CPP (Comité de protection des personnes) de chaque protocole. Les visites indispensables ont pu être maintenues sur site grâce à l’implication sans faille de notre équipe soignante et sous condition de mise en place d’un protocole sanitaire adapté.ConclusionGrâce à l’implication de l’ensemble de notre équipe de recherche multidisciplinaire, et malgré les difficultés rencontrées, chaque patient a pu bénéficier d’un suivi personnalisé et poursuivre son traitement protocolaire. Les procédures mises en place ont également permis la collecte d’un maximum de données de sécurité et d’efficacité pour les promoteurs des essais cliniques et le respect des bonnes pratiques réglementaires. L’ensemble de ces mesures prises dans le contexte de l’urgence sanitaire, lors de la première vague épidémique, ont permis d’aborder plus sereinement la suite de l’épidémie.

Covid-19 contagion, economic activity and business reopening protocols.

This paper studies the impact of sanitary protocols aimed at reducing the contagion by Covid-19 during the production and consumption of goods and services. We augment a heterogeneous SIR model with a two-way feedback between contagion and economic activity, allowing for firm and sector heterogeneity. While protocols are a burden for firms (especially SMEs), they may enhance economic activity by avoiding infections that reduce the labor supply. Using Chilean data, we calibrate the model and assess the impact of recommended firm protocols on contagion and economic activity in the after-lockdown period. Our quantitative results suggest that: (i) A second wave of infections is likely in the absence of protocols; (ii) Protocols targeted at some sectors can reduce deaths while at the same time improving economic conditions; (iii) Protocols applied widely have a negative effect on the economy. We also find that applying strict protocols to a few sectors is generally preferable to applying milder protocols to a larger number of sectors, both in terms of health and economic benefits.