Effects of COVID-19 Prevention Measures on Other Common Infections, Taiwan
Hong‐Hsi Lee, Sheng‐Hsuan Lin
Abstract
D rawing from experience with the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in 2003, the Taiwan government has established a central command system for a quick response to epidemics arising from China (1). Since the first confirmed case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Taiwan was reported, Taiwan officials acted immediately with regard to border control, public health education (mask wearing and handwashing), ensuring adequate medical equipment, and early suspension of classes. These policies may not only reduce the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) but may also have similar effects on spread of other infectious diseases (2,3). Using nationwide weekly surveillance data (4), we compared the activity of common infections during 2015-2020 with the timeline of actions and policies implemented to protect against spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Taiwan.