Unchanged Faces of Acute Appendicitis: Exploring Presentation and Treatment Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the implementation of novel guidelines for managing appendicitis, prompting an evaluation of its effects on patient presentation and treatment at a district general hospital. Healthcare facilities worldwide have adapted protocols to meet the unique challenges of the pandemic, ensuring safe and efficient care. Our study assesses the pandemic's influence on patient demographics, clinical outcomes, surgical procedures, and adherence to guidelines among individuals undergoing emergency appendicitis surgery. Through this investigation, we aimed to determine whether significant deviations occurred in managing acute appendicitis amidst the pandemic. Methodology Consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included in two cohorts for this retrospective analysis, comparing cases treated during the COVID-19 pandemic period (April to September 2020) with those treated one year prior. All patients underwent standardized assessments upon emergency department admission, including imaging studies and COVID-19 testing. Demographics, laboratory results, surgical details, and outcomes were compared between the pre- and post-pandemic groups, focusing on their overall management. Results The research involved a total of 172 individuals. During the pandemic (April to September 2020), 91 of these participants underwent surgery, which is more than the 81 individuals who had surgery during the same period the previous year (April to September 2019). Preoperative C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the pandemic group (P = 0.0455). The time from admission to surgery was shorter in the pandemic group (7.5 ± 4.6 vs. 5.8 ± 4.9; P = 0.0155). The overall operative and laparoscopic operative times were longer in the pandemic group (65 vs. 71 minutes, P = 0.391, and 55 vs. 62 minutes, P = 0.1424, respectively). However, these differences were not statistically significant. The number of patients presenting with complicated appendicitis was significantly higher in the pandemic group than in the nonpandemic group (44.4% vs. 61.4%; P = 0.034). The length of stay was shorter in the pandemic group (P = 0.53). Conclusions Our study suggests that surgery for acute appendicitis remains safe and feasible during the COVID-19 pandemic, with comparable outcomes. However, we noted an increase in the number of patients presenting with complicated appendicitis, possibly influenced by national pandemic guidelines in the United Kingdom. Despite this trend, our findings affirm the continued effectiveness of surgical management for acute appendicitis during the pandemic, highlighting the adaptability of healthcare systems in addressing emergent medical needs under challenging circumstances.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Members of the Saudi Community: Perceptions and Expectations From the Pandemic.

Background and purpose Community individuals and sectors worldwide, including health, security, economy, education, and occupation, are being challenged to confront the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The deadly virus originated in Wuhan city in China and spread globally to other countries on account of its rapid mode of transmission. Solidarity and cooperation were vital elements in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic all around the globe. Actions of solidarity among countries included gathering the world's leading experts to discuss the latest research and innovation while working to promote knowledge and empowerment across the communities. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on different aspects of the Saudi community, including health, education, finance, lifestyle, and others. We also wanted to identify the perceptions of the general Saudi population regarding the impact of the pandemic and its long-term effects. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to February 2021 among individuals across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The online self-developed survey was disseminated to thousands of individuals in the Saudi community and yielded 920 responses. Results Roughly 49% of the studied participants postponed their dental and cosmetic center appointments, and 31% reported delayed periodic health appointments in hospitals and primary healthcare centers. Around 64% reported missing hearing "Tarawih/Qiyam" Islamic prayers. Furthermore, 38% of the study respondents reported being anxious and stressed, 23% reported having sleeping disorders, and 16% wanted to be isolated from the community. On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic helped approximately 65% of the studied participants to abstain from ordering from restaurants and cafes. Additionally, 63% of them reported gaining new skills or behaviors during the pandemic. Many participants (54%) thought that after the curfew recession, they will face financial challenges while 44% assumed that life will not return to what it used to be. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had a multidimensional impact on Saudi society, which has affected both individuals and the community as a whole. Some of the short-term perceived impacts involved interruption in the provision of health care, poor mental well-being, financial hardship, challenges related to homeschooling and working from home, and the inability to fulfill spiritual needs. On the bright side, community individuals demonstrated the ability to learn and develop during the pandemic by striving to acquire knowledge and new skills.

World pandemic uncertainty and German stock market: evidence from Markov regime-switching and Fourier based approaches.

This study aims to examine the impact of the world pandemic uncertainty index on the German stock market index (DAX index) for the 1996Q1 to 2020Q3 period while controlling real effective exchange rate, industrial production index, and consumer price index. The present study performs the Fourier Augmented Dickey-Fulle Unit Root, Fourier Engle-Granger Cointegration, Bayer-Hanck Cointegration, and Markov switching regression tests. The outcomes disclose that there is a long-run cointegration association between the stock market index and world pandemic uncertainty index, real effective exchange rate, industrial production index, and consumer price index in Germany, indicating that the combination of these factors significantly affects the German stock market index in the long-run. Moreover, in both high and low volatile regimes, the world pandemic uncertainty index and real effective exchange rate negatively affect the German stock market index while industrial production and consumer price indices impact positively.

Waking Up to Monkeypox in the Midst of COVID-19.

The first incidence of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) was reported in a Danish research facility. Even though first discovered in monkeys, rodents account for the largest reservoir of the disease. It is an encapsulated, brick-shaped double-stranded DNA virus strongly related to the smallpox virus. The risk of acquiring MPXV has been found to be inversely related to smallpox vaccination. Although the cases were initially restricted to African countries, they were first reported outside Africa in the early 2000s. MPXV is transmitted through close personal contact, most commonly through direct skin-skin contact. The fatality rates associated with the MPXV tend to vary in different regions, with Congo clad basin having the highest mortality rate. The majority of the cases of MPXV have been reported in men who have sex with men. Although optimal infection control and treatment strategies are under investigation, the current management focus is on immunization and the isolation of patients. Effective control strategies are based on implementing a method of contact tracing, quarantining exposed and infected individuals, and using vaccines. There is no proven cure for MPXV, and most infected patients recover without medical intervention. Extensive studies are being conducted to determine the efficacy of antivirals in managing MPXV, with tecovirimat being the first antiviral medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage MPXV. The smallpox vaccine has traditionally been thought of as the most effective method of controlling the infection, possibly due to the similarities between the two viruses. However, numerous obstacles prevent the effective control of MPXV, including social isolation and stigma, poor understanding of the disease dynamics, lack of adequate patient education, and public health strategies.

Exploring time-varying impact of world pandemic uncertainty on China's commodity prices using TVP-SVAR-SV model.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing body of literature has focused on the impact of the uncertainty of the world pandemic (WPU) on commodity prices. Using the quarterly data from the first quarter of 2008 to the second quarter of 2020, we run the TVP-SVAR-SV model to study the time-varying impact of WPU on China's commodity prices. Specifically, we select minerals, non-ferrous metals, energy and steel commodities for a categorical comparison and measure the impact of WPU accordingly. The findings are as follows. First, WPU has a significant time-varying impact on China's commodity prices, and the short-term effect is greater than the long-term effect. Second, compared with the global financial crisis in the fourth quarter of 2008 and China's stock market crash in the second quarter of 2015, WPU had a greatest impact on Chinese commodity prices during the COVID-19 pandemic event in the fourth quarter of 2019. Third, significant differences exist in the impact of WPU on the four major commodity prices. Among them, WPU has the largest time-varying impact on the price of minerals but the smallest time-varying impact on that of steel.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Secondary to COVID-19: A Case Report.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a painful condition characterized by stabbing pain throughout the glossopharyngeal nerve distribution. Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we have learned that COVID-19 may induce neurological symptoms and complications. This case report presents a 54-year-old patient diagnosed with GPN, potentially secondary to COVID-19. The pain resolved spontaneously in three months without the need for medication. We discuss our diagnostic approach for this patient and propose a possible theory about the relation between cranial neuralgias and COVID-19.

Rheumatologists' knowledge and perception of COVID-19 and related vaccines: the vaXurvey2 online survey.

The study aimed to explore the experience of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection and vaccine adverse events (AEs) among rheumatologists. A validated questionnaire was distributed as a Google form to rheumatologists across the country via social networking sites from late December 2021 till early January 2022. The questionnaire included questions regarding participants' socio-demographic details, COVID-19 infection and vaccination details with special emphasis on AEs. Out of 246 responses, 228 were valid. 200 (81.3%) responders had received the vaccine. The mean age of the 228 participants was 37.9 ± 8.5 years, 196 were females and 32 males (F:M 6.1:1) from 18 governorates across the country. Comorbidities were present in 54 subjects (27%). There was a history of highly suspicious or confirmed COVID-19 infection in 66.7% that were all managed at home. The COVID-19 vaccine was received by 200 and a booster dose of 18.5%. Obesity and musculoskeletal involvement co-morbidities were present only in those with AEs (9.1% and 5.5% respectively). AEs were present in 82%; 66.7% had injection-site tenderness, 50% fatigue, 35.5% fever, 15% chills, 42.5% myalgia, 14.5% arthralgia, 8% low back pain, headache 31%, dizziness 10%, sleepliness 16% and 15% developed post-vaccine. There were no differences according to the geolocation regarding the occurrence of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.19) or AEs post-vaccine (p = 0.58). The adverse events were mostly mild to moderate and tolerable which makes this work in agreement with other studies that support the broad safety of the vaccine in favor of the global benefit from mass vaccination.

Pattern of Lung Involvement in Predicting Severity and Sequelae in Patients With COVID-19.

Background During the COVID pandemic, high-resolution CT scan has played a pivotal role in detecting lung involvement and severity based on the segments of the lung involved. The pattern of involvement was not considered, and our aim is to observe the pattern of lung involvement in predicting severity and guiding management protocol in patients with COVID-19. Methodology It was a prospective observational study conducted with 151 patients admitted with COVID-19 with a positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR) in a single tertiary care hospital in south India. Patients with pre-existing lung pathologies were excluded from the study. Eligible patients were then divided into mild, moderate, and severe categories based on Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest was done, findings of which were then categorized based on lung involvement; into ground glass opacities (GGO), interstitial involvement and mixture of both. These were then analyzed to determine their importance with respect to the duration of stay and severity of the disease. Results The data collected was analyzed by IBM SPSS software version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The study population included 114 males (75.5%) and 37 females (24.5%). HRCT chest was done which showed 62.3% of patients had GGO, 14.6% had interstitial lung involvement, 18.5% had a mixture of both and 4.6% had normal lung findings. These findings, when compared to clinical categories of severity, showed a significant co-relation between pattern of involvement of the lung and the severity of the disease. It also showed significant co-relation with the duration of stay. Conclusion HRCT chest has proven to be useful in the determination of patient's severity and can guide with management. We suggest earlier initiation of steroids and anticoagulants in patients with interstitial involvement even for the patients not on oxygen therapy yet. It can be used as a triage modality for screening due to the advantage of presenting with immediate results as opposed to RT-PCR which might take hours and can delay treatment which can prevent worsening.

A Survey on the Side Effects of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Among Vaccinated Adults in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the first of all coronavirus disease (COVID) vaccines to be used in Saudi Arabia. There have been over 17 million doses already administered to the general public in order to successfully reach herd immunity. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore the side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study comprising a sample of 386 participating adults of different age groups and genders. A validated modified questionnaire was distributed as a Google form to residents of the kingdom via social networking sites from February to March 2021. The questionnaire included questions regarding participants' socio-demographic details, vaccination details, and symptom analyses items. RESULTS: The most common to least reported symptoms were local pain (79.3%), fatigue (42%), muscle pain (39.1%), local swelling (27.7%), joint pain (23.1%), headache (21.8%), fever (21.0%), chills (15.5%), local redness (14.8%), nausea (7.3%), with no reports of anaphylaxis, facial paralysis or syncope. There were more side effects after the second dose than the first (p<0.001). Significant predictors of a higher number of side effects after both doses of the vaccine were the female gender ((p<0.001)) and the presence of allergies (p=0.044). CONCLUSION: Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination was quite safe with no reported anaphylaxis or serious events. The most common reported side effects were local pain and fatigue. Symptoms began within 24 hours and were mild to moderate in nature with a regressive course, especially after analgesics. More side effects were experienced after the second dose than the first. The significant predictors of side effects were the female gender and a history of allergies.

The Effect of Curfew on the General Mental Well-Being of the Population in Saudi Arabia After the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Introduction Mental well-being is an essential aspect of general health. Assessing mental well-being is crucial to leading a healthy life. The global population is, presumptively, affected at a ratio of one out of four individuals with a mental or neurological disorder. This further emphasized the importance of the financial, social, and health implications that ensue. Methods and materials Data collection was performed using the symptoms checklist-90 (SCL-90) survey between March and April of 2021. The data collected included demographic data as well as nine domains that include some of the most common psychiatric symptoms. The collected questionnaires were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Non-parametric tests were utilized, as the SCL-90 dimensions and global index scores follow a non-normal distribution. Results The questionnaire yielded 387 responses. Females comprised the majority of the participants. The most prevalent symptom described as extremely common by females was waking up early in the morning. The most commonly described symptom described as not at all by females was hearing words that others do not hear. There was no statistical difference in mental well-being between males and females. Older participants (>40 years old) had better mental well-being in comparison to their younger counterparts. Conclusion During the fallout of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, much attention and resources were allocated toward the physical aspect of the pandemic, yet the psychological implications must not be understated. Multiple variables, such as age, marital status, and unemployment, may impact the mental well-being of the population and must be further assessed.

The Assessment of Reconstructive Urology-Associated Google Search Trends During COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: To demonstrate public interest in reconstructive urology during the COVID-19 pandemic by using Google Trends (GT). METHODS: The study was conducted between August 1 and August 11, 2021. A total of 18 terms related to reconstructive urology were determined. Public interest in all terms were evaluated with the GT application using the filters 'worldwide', 'all categories', and 'web search'. To determine public interest in reconstructive urology during the COVID-19 pandemic, three 12-week periods following the declaration of COVID-19 (March 11 to June 4, 2020, June 5 to August 29, 2020, and August 30 to November 23, 2020) were compared with the same periods in the past four years (2016-2019). RESULTS: Comparisons of March 11 to June 4, 2020, and the same days in the previous four years revealed that total public attention to reconstructive urology significantly declined (-16.2%, p=0.035). In the comparison of the second 12-week duration (June 5 to August 29, 2020, vsJune 5 to August 29, 2016-2019), only the bladder augmentation term had significantly lower search frequency during COVID-19 (-46.3%, p=0.043), but buried penis (50.3%, p=0.001), urinary incontinence (15.3%, p=0.001), and stress urinary incontinence (21.7%, p=0.001) keywords had significantly higher inquiries. The comparison of the third 12-week period searches for only urinary incontinence significantly increased (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Present study showed that public interest in reconstructive urology significantly reduced in the first 12 weeks after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. However, public attention to reconstructive urology reached similar levels after 12 weeks from the beginning of COVID-19. Additionally, the term urinary incontinence was searched statistically more frequently during the COVID-19.

Pandemics and Income Inequality: What Do the Data Tell for the Globalization Era?

This paper empirically investigates the effects of pandemics uncertainty on income inequality We consider a new measure of pandemics uncertainty, the World Pandemic Discussion Index (WPDI), and the post-tax (net) Gini coefficient We focus on the panel data of 141 countries from 1996 to 2020. The results from the Feasible General Least Squares estimations indicate that the WPDI is negatively related to income inequality in 107 non-OECD countries. However, the WPDI is positively associated with income inequality in 34 OECD economies. This evidence remains robust when considering different models, including several controls, and implementing various sensitivity analyses.

Perfil epidemiológico dos profissionais da odontologia em relação a Covid-19 durante a pandemia no estado do Rio Grande do Norte / Epidemiological profile of dentistry professionals in relation to Covid-19 during the pandemic in the state of Rio Grande do Norte

Este estudo se propôs a traçar um perfil epidemiológico dos profissionais da Odontologia no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (RN), em relação a infecção da COVID-19 durante a pandemia. Um censo virtual foi disponibilizado aos Cirurgiões-dentistas (CD), técnicos de saúde bucal (TSBs) e auxiliares de saúde bucal (ASBs), com inscrição ativa no Conselho Regional de Odontologia do RN. Utilizou-se como instrumento de coleta de dados um questionário eletrônico (formulário Google), enviado através do e-mail oficial do CRO-RN, lista de transmissão de mensagens do aplicativo WhatsApp, por mensagens do tipo SMS e postados nas redes sociais da entidade. A coleta de dados fez referência ao período de fevereiro de 2020 até março de 2021. Um total de 567 profissionais responderam ao questionário com idade média de 36,67 anos (DP=9,56). Na amostra 515 eram CD e 52 TSBs/ASBs. O índice de contaminação por COVID-19 nesse período foi de 25,74% da amostra. A contaminação foi maior no grupo TSBs com 37% e menor nos CD com 25%. Considerando apenas os profissionais que acreditam que a contaminação ocorreu pela sua atividade trabalhista, os valores chegam a 10,1%. Na busca de associações significativas entre a atuação profissional e local de trabalho com a positividade dos testes para COVID-19, foi observado que trabalhar na região do alto oeste (p=0,011) foi um fator de risco, bem como não estar satisfeito com o treinamento (p=0,0001) e possuir poucos anos de formado (p=0,015). Ser mais jovens (p=0,005) e solteiros (p=0,040) estão associados testarem mais positivo. Com relação ao impacto na renda, foi verificada associação significativa com local de atuação, sendo o setor privado mais afetado (p<0,0001). Quem parou entre 1-3 meses foram os mais prejudicados em relação a sua renda financeira (p<0,0001). A maioria dos casos apresentaram a forma leve da doença. Portanto a COVID-19 no período analisado, gerou um impacto na profissão odontológica, com repercussão financeira significativa e seus índices de contaminação estiveram mais relacionados aos TSBs e aos CD com menor tempo e nível de formação. O fator idade também demonstrou que a contaminação ocorreu com mais relevância nos profissionais entre 20 e 30 anos, entretanto não foi possível confirmar se esta associação tem relação direta com a atuação profissional. Do ponto de vista estratégico, a falta de EPI, sobretudo de máscaras PFF2, óculos, aventais, álcool 70%, bem como não está satisfeito como o treinamento para a COVID-19, demonstraram ter uma relação positiva no número de contaminação, sendo uma importante ferramenta na prevenção. Os resultados desta pesquisa são importantes para demostrar o impacto da pandemia nos profissionais da Odontologia no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte ­ Brasil (AU).

This study aimed to draw an epidemiological profile of dentistry professionals in the State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), in relation to COVID-19 infection during the pandemic. A virtual census was made available to dentists (CD), oral health technicians (TSBs) and oral health assistants (ASBs), with active enrollment in the Regional Board of Dentistry of RN. An electronic questionnaire (Google form) was used as a data collection instrument, sent through the official email of the CRO-RN, message transmission list of the WhatsApp application, by SMS-type messages and posted on social networks of the entity. Data collection referred to the period from February 2020 to March 2021. A total of 567 professionals answered the questionnaire with an average age of 36.67 years (SD=9.56). In the sample 515 were CD and 52 TSBs/ASBs. The COVID-19 contamination index in this period was 25.74% of the sample. Contamination was higher in the TSBs group with 37% and lower in the CD with 25%. Considering only professionals who believe that the contamination occurred due to their work activities, the values reach 10.1%. In the search for significant associations between professional performance and workplace with positive tests for COVID-19, it was observed that working in the high west region (p=0.011) was a risk factor, as well as not being satisfied with the training (p=0.0001) and have few years of graduation (p=0.015). Being younger (p=0.005) and single (p=0.040) are associated with testing more positively. Regarding the impact on income, there was a significant association with place of work, with the private sector being most affected (p<0.0001). Those who stopped between 1-3 months were the most affected in terms of their financial income (p<0.0001). Most cases had the mild form of the disease. Therefore, COVID-19 in the analyzed period generated an impact on the dental profession, with significant financial repercussions and its contamination rates were more related to TSBs and CDs with less time and level of training. The age factor also showed that contamination was more relevant in professionals aged between 20 and 30 years, however it was not possible to confirm whether this association is directly related to professional performance. From a strategic point of view, the lack of PPE, especially PFF2 masks, glasses, aprons, 70% alcohol, as well as not satisfied with the training for COVID19, demonstrated a positive relationship in the number of contaminations, being an important tool in prevention. The results of this research are important to demonstrate the impact of the pandemic on dentistry professionals in the State of Rio Grande do Norte ­ Brazil (AU).

What Determine the Corporate Tax Rates During the COVID-19? Evidence From 113 Countries.

Fiscal policy implications become an important tool to soften the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this backdrop, this paper analyses the drivers of corporate tax rates during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., in 2020 and 2021). The results from 113 advanced and developing economies show that a higher level of the COVID-19-related uncertainty is positively associated with the corporate tax rates. Similarly, the country size (measured by total population) increases the corporate tax rates. Per capita income is negatively related to the corporate tax rates, but this evidence is insufficient to consider different estimation techniques. The paper also discusses potential fiscal policy implications for the driving mechanism of corporate tax rates for the post-COVID-19 era.

Effects of Pandemics-Related Uncertainty on Household Consumption: Evidence From the Cross-Country Data.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various macroeconomic indicators. Given this backdrop, this research investigates the effects of the pandemics-related uncertainty on household consumption. For this purpose, we construct a simple theoretical model to study the effects of the pandemics-related uncertainty on household consumption. To estimate the theoretical model, we consider the panel dataset of 138 countries for the period from 1996 to 2017. We also use the Pandemic Uncertainty Index to measure the pandemics-related uncertainty. The theoretical model and the empirical findings from the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) estimations indicate that the gross fixed capital formation, government consumption, balance of trade, and the Pandemic Uncertainty Index negatively affect household consumption. The results are also valid in the panel dataset of 42 high-income economies and the remaining 96 emerging economies.

Acute Limb Ischemia in COVID-19 Disease: A Mysterious Coagulopathy.

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a respiratory tract infection has been noted to be a causative agent for acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and multiple organ failure. It is also being suggested that COVID-19 results in serious systemic coagulopathies similar to disseminated intravascular coagulation. We describe a case of severe arterial thrombosis induced by COVID-19 infection along with its pathological implications.

Atypical Manifestation of COVID-19-Induced Myocarditis.

We present a case of a 39-year-old male who presented with chest pain without fever or respiratory symptoms. Troponins were elevated and electrocardiogram (ECG) was inconclusive for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Angiography revealed normal coronaries and the patient was found to be coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive; he was diagnosed with COVID-19 myocarditis. With the global pandemic, more cases are emerging regarding myocardial injury induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Although COVID-19 manifests primarily as respiratory disease, few cases of cardiac injury without respiratory involvement or febrile illness have been reported. This case illustrates that COVID-19 can present atypically and affect an isolated non-respiratory organ system.

Determinants of the Fiscal Support of Governments in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Fiscal support measures have different implications for public finances in the near term and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, this paper examines the determinants of governments' fiscal support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The empirical analysis is based on the cross-sectional data estimations from 129 developed and developing countries. The estimation results indicate that a higher level of uncertainty related to COVID-19 (measured by the World Pandemic Uncertainty Indices) is positively related to fiscal support. Besides, countries with a higher total population and population over 65 years and older provide higher fiscal support. These results are valid when considering the developed countries separately. Policy implications for public finances during the COVID-19 pandemic are also discussed.