COVID-19: Getting ahead of the epidemic curve by early implementation of social distancing

Abstract

To the Editor: The response to the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has largely been reactive. There are a few exceptions of countries taking proactive measures. Some countries in Asia, including Taiwan and Singapore, were able to limit the spread despite close links to China, [1,2] and South Korea and China were able to mobilise to contain an initial rapidly spreading epidemic through mass testing and early interventions. [2,3] As COVID-19 has now reached Africa, South Africa (SA) could be a regional leader in its response and reduce the impact of the disease on its population by acting early.