KEY FACTORS IN THE RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN URUGUAY

Abstract

Background: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic was comprehensive in Uruguay, leading to lower mortality and lethality compared to other Latin American countries.Objectives: Identify key factors that contributed to the comprehensive response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Uruguay.Methods: Participant observation, analysis of data, interviews with key stakeholders, and review of secondary sources from the moment of the appearance of the first case on March 13 until December 2020.Results: We identified nine key factors that contributed to the comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uruguay and the favorable effects on the reduction of morbidity and mortality.Conclusions: The simultaneous existence of the nine factors facilitated the preparation, control, and remediation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uruguay.