Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in low-income countries

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become an increasing concern to global health organizations, and may pose major challenges to health care systems in the low-income countries due to the absence of equipment, lack of funding, and insufficient training of healthcare workers. Thus, mitigation measures that involve social distances and personal hygiene may be prioritized. The main objective of this review was to propose guidelines steps that will mitigate the spread of novel emerging COVID-19 in low-income countries. The community mitigation may delay the influenza peak to decrease stress on the health-care system thereby decreasing morbidity and mortality. Social distancing and hygienic practices are among the main community mitigation measures recommended during influenza pandemics. People must separate themselves from others and should regularly wash their hands, avoid touching their face, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and clean frequently touched surfaces. Therefore, in the lack of funding in low-income countries, the public health measures can rely on preventive actions such as social distancing and hygienic practices to mitigate the spread of novel emerging COVID-19. In addition, surveillance, accurate screening, and vaccination remain, whenever possible, effective mechanisms of viral control. Key words: COVID-19, low-income countries, mitigating, personal hygiene, social distancing, corona virus.