Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

April 21, 2020

Impact assessment of non-pharmaceutical interventions against coronavirus disease 2019 and influenza in Hong Kong: an observational study

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  • The authors analyzed data on influenza and coronavirus transmission in response to non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented in Hong Kong. COVID-19 transmission has slowed, with an R1 (transmission rate per case) of ~1 sustained for 8 weeks, and influenza community transmission has been reduced by 44%, with a 33% reduction in pediatric hospitalization rates.
  • This study shows that NPIs such as border restrictions, quarantine and isolation, and social distancing are associated with reduced COVID-19 transmission, and are also likely to reduce influenza transmission. 

Cowling et al. (April 17, 2020). Impact assessment of non-pharmaceutical interventions against coronavirus disease 2019 and influenza in Hong Kong: an observational study.  Lancet Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30090-6