Article 4: What steps should be taken to control COVID-19?

Sunil J. Wimalawansa, MD, PhD, MBA, DSc.; Professor of Medicine

Following are important items that should be (or should have been) implemented to minimize the spreading COVID-19: 

1)    A rapid, on-site diagnostic method where results are obtained under one-hour. 
These RT-PCR tests must be sensitive and specific, so that can be used confidently for
making the diagnosis or excluding having it, with little or no false positive or false negative findings.  

2)    Markedly expand the testing facilities, especially outside hospitals and in quarantined facilities, together with, safe and humane isolation. 

3)    Community-based testing and tracking contacts, and effective reporting system.

4)    Effective real-time surveillance of exposed and new patients and disseminate accurate information without cover-ups.

5)    Boost the immunity of the entire population: strongly advice people to stay in sunlight for in excess of 30 minutes each day between 10 AM and the midday, with a third of    
the body exposed to direct sunlight;
Alternatively, to take high-dose vitamin D supplements to boost the immune system together with maintaining good nutrition and hydration.

6)    The provision of a safe and a supportive environment in quarantine centres, encourage self-quarantining at homes, and making available cost-effective therapies, such as chloroquine. 

7)    Regularly inform the public of the real situation and proactively explain the reason for the action; telling the truth is essential in crises situations, especially during
public health outbreaks.

8)    Provide, dynamic and effective disease prevention guidance to the public to prevent
the disease, effective social distancing, public education, and avoiding panic. 

9)    Encouraged people to engage in good personal hygiene: handwashing and the use of a face mask when going out, avoiding crowds, etc., to reduce exposure to the virus.

Locking-down affected regions and towns, and movement restrictions are standard short-term procedures that is effective in controlling spread of communicable diseases, especially, useful for flattening peak incidences to prevent overburdening hospital system, healthcare workers, and frontline workers.

In addition to the steps mentioned in this and subsequent articles, it is the responsibility of the public to fully cooperate with the national and local guidance.  This is essential to minimize the risks of disease spreading in communities and to avoid secondary peaks appearing in communities.  

The next article will address issues related to myths about the quarantine clock, ways to prevent community spread of COVID-19, and what should be done to control the pandemic.