International Journal of Infectious Diseases (Dec 2021)

Impact of contact tracing, respect of isolation, and lockdown in reducing the number of cases infected with COVID-19. Case study: Tunisia’s response from March 22 to May 4, 2020

  • Olfa Saidi,
  • Dhafer Malouche,
  • Priyanka Saksena,
  • Latifa Arfaoui,
  • Khouloud Talmoudi,
  • Aicha Hchaichi,
  • Hend Bouguerra,
  • Habiba Ben Romdhane,
  • Mohamed Hsairi,
  • Ramzi Ouhichi,
  • Yves Souteyrand,
  • Nissaf Ben Alaya,
  • Mouna Safer,
  • Hejer Letaief,
  • Sonia Dhaouadi,
  • Sondes Derouiche,
  • Ilhem Bouaziz,
  • Donia Gharbi,
  • Molka Osman,
  • Leila Bouabid,
  • Souha Bougatef

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 113
pp. 26 – 33

Abstract

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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly across the world. Tunisia reacted early to COVID-19, resulting in a low number of infections during the first wave of the pandemic. This study was performed to model the effects of different interventions on the evolution of cases and to compare these with the Tunisian experience. Methods: A stochastic transmission model was used to quantify the reduction in number of cases of COVID-19 with the interventions of contact tracing, compliance with isolation, and a general lockdown. Results: In the model, increasing contact tracing from 20% to 80% after the first 100 cases reduced the cumulative number of infections (CNI) by 52% in 1 month. Similarly, increased compliance with isolation from 20% to 80% after the first 100 cases reduced the CNI by 45%. These reductions were smaller if the interventions were implemented after 1000 cases. A general lockdown reduced the CNI by 97% after the first 100 cases. Tunisia implemented its general lockdown after 75 cases were confirmed, which reduced the cumulative number of infected cases by 86% among the general population. Conclusions: This study shows that the early application of critical interventions contributes significantly to reducing infections and the evolution of COVID-19 in a country. Tunisia’s early success with the control of COVID-19 is explained by its quick response.

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