COVID-19 pandemic: A paradigm shift in the West?

Abstract

In this article, we develop evidence-based recommendations to efficiently administer the limited resources of the healthcare facilities in medium and low income countries in the context of a pandemic. We searched MedLine database using the MeSH terms “Pneumonia, viral/prevention and control”, “Pneumonia, viral/transmission”, “Coronavirus Infections/prevention and control”, “Coronavirus Infections/transmission”, “COVID-19”, “Masks/classification”, “Masks/microbiology”, “Respiratory Protective Devices”, among others. We recommend that the general population wears a face mask. On the institutional level, ventilation and appropriate bed distancing proved to be effective preventive measures. The most important factor in the containment of an outbreak is the timely identification of infected patients. Negative pressure and ventilation systems are also highly recommended. Using a full face mask together with a surgical mask might be an option to deal with N95 respirators shortage. We present an integral strategy with coping measures for healthcare institutions and the society in general.