The second wave of covid

In recent months the number of cases per day in countries that were first affected by the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased dramatically, especially China. In fact, some of these countries have reopened cities that were at the center of the outbreak. However, many experts have warned of a second wave of COVID-19.

What is the second wave of COVID-19 and how does the world need to deal with it? Check out the reviews below to find out more details.

Beware of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

At the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China appeared a new disease outbreak called COVID-19. This disease that attacks the human respiratory system has now infected more than three million cases worldwide and hundreds of people have died.

One of the efforts of governments in various countries to reduce the spread of the virus is to close cities (lockdown) and appealed to the public to undergo quarantine at home.

Daily routines are suspended, schools are closed, and many people who like it or not have to work from home.

This method has proved to be quite effective in a number of countries that were affected early by COVID-19, especially China. Appeals accompanied by government intervention in response resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of cases to none at all.

The good news finally made the Chinese government to slowly reopen their country. Many people have started to carry out their daily activities even though they have not fully returned to normal.

COVID-19 Outbreak updates Country: IndonesiaData

1,024,298

Confirmed

831,330

Recovered

28,855

DeathDistribution Map

However, this condition does not make experts feel relieved given the possibility of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been warned by WHO through a press release on April 27, 2020.

Countries that are starting to loosen up the rules lockdown are likely to face new challenges, such as preventing an increase in transmission.

This is because COVID-19 is a new disease whose details are not yet clear. Therefore, wise approaches and steps will be the key in the next few months.

According to WHO, rules lockdown and home quarantines need to be removed carefully. If done carelessly, it is likely that the spread of the virus can occur again.

No one will know what will happen in the next two, three, or five months. Whether the second wave of COVID-19 caused the same damage or not.

Potential second wave of pandemic in China

Several studies were conducted to see the potential of this second wave. One such study comes from The Lancet.

In this study, the researchers tried to monitor the transmission and severity of COVID-19 for strategies to deal with the next pandemic. This study was applied in several countries in China outside Hubei province.

As the first country to be affected by the pandemic, China appears to have succeeded in stopping the first wave through aggressive measures.

However, the risk from COVID-19 still lurks, especially transmission of the virus that comes from new people from outside the country.

Researchers finally analyzed data from the local Health Commission regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 between mid-January and 29 February 2020 in selected cities.

The number of new daily external and local cases was used to create epidemic curves for each location. This data is based on the date of symptom onset, when the confirmed case was carried out, and the virus control measures after the first wave has decreased.

The analysis of this study suggests that areas outside Hubei need to gradually adopt control measures. This is so that the number of new cases during the second wave of COVID-19 does not exceed the first wave.

If not, the number of cases will increase during the process of returning the situation to its original state. In addition, an estimate appears that physical distancing need to be reapplied alternately so as not to reduce the load when returning to the original.

All of these things will require extra effort so that the number of cases does not spike as suddenly as during the first wave.

That way, the government can avoid the huge impact generated by the first wave of COVID-19. Starting from the death of health workers to various business sectors that have been paralyzed by this pandemic.

Prepare for the second wave of COVID-19

Many things related to COVID-19 are not yet known, so it may be difficult to set a plan for dealing with the second wave of the pandemic. There are several things that can actually be applied in overcoming this problem, namely:

Keep applying physical distancing

One of the things that needs to be done in preparing for the second wave of COVID-19 is physical distancing.

The government still needs to encourage people to stay away from crowds or hold events that involve large numbers of people.

This is because in the next few months there will probably be many countries that are starting to return to their public spaces and businesses. Going back to work and school until meeting other people slowly returns to normal routine.

Physical distancing considered very helpful in reducing the spread of the virus and relieving the freedom of health workers.

Therefore, this second wave of pandemic needs to be faced by continuing to implement COVID-19 prevention efforts, such as washing hands regularly and maintaining distance from other people.

Implement massive testing and massive contact tracing

Besides physical distancing, facing the second wave of COVID-19 also requires the government's contribution in implementing massive contact testing and tracing.

The government is also urged to pay close attention to its citizens, including protecting groups at risk.

This is so that the new wave of COVID-19 cases can be identified before they return to a bigger outbreak. Thus, the number of patients who are required to be hospitalized which is burdensome for health workers can be reduced.

The second wave of COVID-19 can actually be overcome if the government and society are able to work together well. Whether it's the government that protects its citizens and its citizens who contribute to following the rules recommended by the government.