What is the most efficient strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2
infection?
The main route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is via respiratory droplets
and aerosols.247-249 Avoidance of high virus loads,
acquired through aerosol and droplet transmission, is paramount to
prevent severe outcomes. Consequently, social distancing, masks and hand
sanitation are undoubtedly effective because they prevent the droplet
and surface contact-associated initial high virus load and the increased
risk of severe disease.250,251 The COVID-19 pandemic
can be controlled if social distancing is combined with widespread
testing, case isolation, vigorous contact tracing and personal
protection. Indeed, severe and critical illness among Chinese healthcare
workers before January 10th was 45%, a time when
personal protection equipment and infectious control measures were
likely not implemented. After February 1st, when
personal protection measures were in place, the percentage of severe and
critically ill Chinese healthcare workers dropped to
8.7%.252