Social distancing at health care centers early in the pandemic helps to protect population from COVID-19

Environ Res. 2020 Oct:189:109957. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109957. Epub 2020 Jul 17.

Abstract

The impact of COVID-19 outbreak has been unequal across Spanish regions. The epidemic wave has been smoother in the Region of Murcia (RM) (6 deaths/100,000 residents). Physical distance from health centers from day 0 is an additional social distancing measure that confers an advantageous starting position in the fight against COVID-19. Late healthcare distancing measures are not as powerful as the early ones.

Keywords: COVID-19; Emergency service; Healthcare attendance; Pandemic; Social distancing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Communicable Disease Control / methods*
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Social Isolation*
  • Spain