ABSTRACT
In this paper, we estimate the path of daily SARS-CoV-2 infections in England from the beginning of the pandemic until the end of 2021. We employ a dynamic intensity model, where the mean intensity conditional on the past depends both on past intensity of infections and past realized infections. The model parameters are time-varying, and we employ a multiplicative specification along with logistic transition functions to disentangle the time-varying effects of nonpharmaceutical policy interventions, of different variants, and of protection (waning) of vaccines/boosters. Our model results indicate that earlier interventions and vaccinations are key to containing an infection wave. We consider several scenarios that account for more infectious variants and different protection levels of vaccines/boosters. These scenarios suggest that, as vaccine protection wanes, containing a new wave in infections and an associated increase in hospitalizations in the near future may require further booster campaigns and/or nonpharmaceutical interventions.
ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brings sudden changes in health care. During the period of social distance and restricted contact, it was necessary to restore the communication between inpatients and their relatives in the oncology setting. Even though we did not find publications about psychosocial virtual visits (VVs) in this context, these video interactions have emerged as an innovative and necessary alternative to support advanced cancer care patients (ACCP). Aim: Identify and describe the implementation of psychosocial virtual visits used in an Oncology Institute. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, exploratory study Research question: What are the characteristics of virtual visits made with advanced cancer care patients? Data Collection: a retrospective, consultation of clinical files, March to December 2020. Non-probabilistic sample, random type. Participants: ACCP over 18 years old. Data analysis: Descriptive statistics software. This study complied with the ethical norms. Results: The psychosocial VVs directly benefited 707 persons, 145 patients (average age 70) and 562 (with emphasis on 519 relatives and 43 significant others). All visits were carried out by a psychosocial support team. The majority of VVs happened in the oncology service and in the PC services. Of all the patients who were integrated into VVs, 49 were PC service inpatient and 37 of whom died. The VVs allowed us to keep providing holistic care in an advanced disease context. Two brochures were developed related to good practices in VVs, which were disseminated nationwide. Conclusion: The pandemic was a powerful motivator for systemic change and made professionals search for new ways to provide care and connection between patients and their relatives. Although technology does not replace face-to-face visits, it can offer meaningful interactions and contribute to the wellbeing of everyone involved. In the field of advanced disease, we continue to provide PCs to those who need them.
ABSTRACT
The present study aims to discuss aspects of the diffusion of covid-19 in the immediate geographic region of the city of Imperatriz, in Maranhao. The period analyzed comprises the first 100 days of the pandemic in the state. Data on ICU spatialization, hospital beds and mechanical ventilators/ventilators in the state are considered, and information on viral evolution and geographic origin of patients in this period. The main data sources are Datasus and the State Department of Health of Maranhao. The aspects studied suggest that the concentration of medical-hospital equipment in Imperatriz is a significant bottleneck in the fight against pandemic the Sars-CoV-2, in that it triggers flows of people from centres with less offer of services in search of medical care, resulting in wide areas of contagion and distortions as to the geographical origin of the cases.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for a health crisis and, at the same time, for a sharp drop in activities of economic sustainability, particularly in tourism management, and has consequences in most countries that are still difficult to measure. The objective of this research is to identify restaurant entrepreneurs’ perceptions about the future, government measures, strategies they will apply, and lessons learned for the future after the mandatory lockdown of restaurants and hospitality establishments related to pandemics. The framework was developed through con-tent analysis with line-by-line coding applied to questionnaires collected online from Portuguese restaurant entrepreneurs. The results reveal the existence of common concerns to all entrepreneurs in the restaurant business for the post-pandemic period, about the measures that the governments should implement, and about the strategies and lessons learned for the future. Resilience in face of the future, fear of a lack of appropriate government measures, strategies designed for markets with greater immediate availability, and the creation of working capital are visible concerns in the restaurant business. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.