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Loo BPY, Tsoi KH, Axhausen KW, Cao M, Lee Y, Koh KP. Spatial risk for a superspreading environment: Insights from six urban facilities in six global cities across four continents. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1128889. [PMID: 37089495 PMCID: PMC10113652 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1128889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThis study sets out to provide scientific evidence on the spatial risk for the formation of a superspreading environment.MethodsFocusing on six common types of urban facilities (bars, cinemas, gyms and fitness centers, places of worship, public libraries and shopping malls), it first tests whether visitors' mobility characteristics differ systematically for different types of facility and at different locations. The study collects detailed human mobility and other locational data in Chicago, Hong Kong, London, São Paulo, Seoul and Zurich. Then, considering facility agglomeration, visitors' profile and the density of the population, facilities are classified into four potential spatial risk (PSR) classes. Finally, a kernel density function is employed to derive the risk surface in each city based on the spatial risk class and nature of activities.ResultsResults of the human mobility analysis reflect the geographical and cultural context of various facilities, transport characteristics and people's lifestyle across cities. Consistent across the six global cities, geographical agglomeration is a risk factor for bars. For other urban facilities, the lack of agglomeration is a risk factor. Based on the spatial risk maps, some high-risk areas of superspreading are identified and discussed in each city.DiscussionIntegrating activity-travel patterns in risk models can help identify areas that attract highly mobile visitors and are conducive to superspreading. Based on the findings, this study proposes a place-based strategy of non-pharmaceutical interventions that balance the control of the pandemic and the daily life of the urban population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky P. Y. Loo
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ka Ho Tsoi
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Ka Ho Tsoi
| | - Kay W. Axhausen
- Department of Civil, Environment and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mengqiu Cao
- School of Architecture and Cities, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yongsung Lee
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Keumseok Peter Koh
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Huang Z, Loo BPY, Axhausen KW. Travel behaviour changes under Work-from-home (WFH) arrangements during COVID-19. TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR & SOCIETY 2023; 30:202-211. [PMID: 36247182 PMCID: PMC9537156 DOI: 10.1016/j.tbs.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Life, including working style and travel behaviour, has been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The unprecedented number of work-from-home (WFH) employees after the outbreak of COVID-19 has attracted much scholarly attention. As it is generally believed that WFH arrangements are not ephemeral, it is imperative to study the impacts of WFH on travel behaviour and its impact on sustainable transport in the post-pandemic era. In relation, this study uses a set of longitudinal GPS tracking data in Switzerland to examine changes in trip characteristics (i.e. travel distance, travel time), travel behaviours (i.e. travel frequency, peak hour departure, trip destination, travel mode), and activities (i.e. trip pattern diversity, trip purpose, and time spent at home). Two groups of participants (WFH and Non-WFH) are identified and compared through three periods (pre-COVID, during lockdown, and post lockdown) from September 2019 to October 2020. Results show that more significant reductions of trip distance, travel time, travel frequency, morning peak hours trips, trips to the CBD are observed among the WFH group. These changes helped to mitigate negative transport externalities. Meanwhile, active transport trips, trip pattern diversity, leisure trips, and time spent at home also increased more significantly for the WFH group when compared to their counterparts. Hence, promoting WFH may not only be beneficial to teleworkers but also to the wider community through more sustainable transport. Future research direction and policy implications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiran Huang
- Department of Geography, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Becky P Y Loo
- Department of Geography, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, China
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Loo BPY, Tsoi KH. Road safety strategies necessary in the second Decade of Road Safety. J Glob Health 2022; 12:03081. [PMID: 36463506 PMCID: PMC9719694 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.03081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Becky PY Loo
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, China
| | - Ka Ho Tsoi
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Jiang Q, Xu Z, Ye G, Pahlow M, Hu M, Qu S. A systematic scoping review of environmental and socio-economic effects of COVID-19 on the global ocean-human system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157925. [PMID: 35952896 PMCID: PMC9359760 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has strongly affected human lives. The restrictions taken to slow down the spread of the virus impact socio-economic activities and the environment. A comprehensive review of these COVID-19 impacts on the ocean-human system is lacking. The current study fills this gap by synthesizing the environmental and socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global ocean by conducting a systemic scoping review of 92 published articles. From a geospatial perspective, the studies covered a total of 37 countries, mainly from Asia, Europe, and North America, with a particular focus on the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. From an environmental perspective, both positive and negative effects on global oceans were summarized. Notably, improved coastal water quality and reduced underwater noise were reported. On the other hand, the increasing COVID-19-related medical waste such as personal protective equipment leads to severe pollution, which threatens the marine ecosystem and wildlife. From a socioeconomic perspective, the impacts of the pandemic were negative throughout with marine tourism and the fishery industry being severely disrupted. Coastal communities suffered from loss of income, unemployment, inequalities and health problems. The COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity for transformation of management and economic practices in order to save our ocean and boost progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14). Future research should include other sectors such as marine biodiversity, marine renewable energy, climate change, and blue economy development of Small Island Developing States. Effective policies and strategies across land and ocean around the world need to be developed and implemented to enhance resilience of the human-ocean system and to achieve post-pandemic global sustainable ocean development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qutu Jiang
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; HKU Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Zhenci Xu
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; HKU Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057, China; Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Guanqiong Ye
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Markus Pahlow
- Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Mingzhao Hu
- Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
| | - Shen Qu
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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Travel in the Time of COVID: A Review of International Travel Health in a Global Pandemic. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2022; 24:129-145. [PMID: 35965881 PMCID: PMC9361911 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-022-00784-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review critically considers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel and the practice of travel medicine, highlights key innovations that have facilitated the resumption of travel, and anticipates how travel medicine providers should prepare for the future of international travel.
Recent Findings
Since asymptomatic transmission of the virus was first recognized in March 2020, extensive efforts have been made to characterize the pattern and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission aboard commercial aircraft, cruise ships, rail and bus transport, and in mass gatherings and quarantine facilities. Despite the negative impact of further waves of COVID-19 driven by the more transmissible Omicron variant, rapid increases of international tourist arrivals are occurring and modeling anticipates further growth. Mitigation of spread requires an integrated approach that combines masking, physical distancing, improving ventilation, testing, and quarantine. Vaccines and therapeutics have played a significant role in reopening society and accelerating the resumption of travel and further therapeutic innovation is likely.
Summary
COVID-19 is likely to persist as an endemic infection, and surveillance will assume an even more important role. The pandemic has provided an impetus to advance technology for telemedicine, to adopt mobile devices and GPS in contact tracing, and to apply digital applications in research. The future of travel medicine should continue to harness these novel platforms in the clinical, research, and educational arenas.
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Klose J, Tillmann P. The stock market and NO 2 emissions effects of COVID‐19 around the world. ECONOMICS & POLITICS 2022; 35:10.1111/ecpo.12227. [PMCID: PMC9538681 DOI: 10.1111/ecpo.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we study the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in estimated panel vector autoregression models for 92 countries. The large cross‐section of countries allows us to shed light on the heterogeneity of the responses of stock markets and nitrogen dioxide emissions as high‐frequency measures of economic activity. We quantify the effect of the number of infections and four dimensions of policy measures: (1) containment and closure, (2) movement restrictions, (3) economic support, and (4) adjustments of health systems. Our main findings show that a surprise increase in the number of infections triggers a drop in our two measures of economic activity. Propping up economic support measures, in contrast, raises stock returns and emissions and, thus, contributes to the economic recovery. We also document vast differences in the responses across subsets of countries and between the first and the second wave of infections.
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The Impact of COVID-19 Control Measures on Air Quality in Guangdong Province. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14137853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 control measures had a significant social and economic impact in Guangdong Province, and provided a unique opportunity to assess the impact of human activities on air quality. Based on the monitoring data of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 concentrations from 101 air quality monitoring stations in Guangdong Province from October 2019 to April 2020, the PSCF (potential source contribution factor) analysis and LSTM (long short-term memory) neural network were applied to explore the impact of epidemic control measures on air quality in Guangdong Province. Results showed that during the lockdown, the average concentration of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 decreased by 37.84%, 51.56%, 58.82%, and 24.00%, respectively. The ranges of potential sources of pollutants were reduced, indicating that air quality in Guangdong Province improved significantly. The Pearl River Delta, characterized by a high population density, recorded the highest NO2 concentration values throughout the whole study period. Due to the lockdown, the areas with the highest concentrations of O3, PM2.5, and PM10 changed from the Pearl River Delta to the eastern and western Guangdong. Moreover, LSTM simulation results showed that the average concentration of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 decreased by 46.34%, 54.56%, 70.63%, and 26.76%, respectively, which was caused by human-made impacts. These findings reveal the remarkable impact of human activities on air quality and provide effective theoretical support for the prevention and control of air pollution in Guangdong Province.
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Wu H, Lu Z, Wei J, Zhang B, Liu X, Zhao M, Liu W, Guo X, Xi B. Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Air Pollutant Levels and Associated Reductions in Ischemic Stroke Incidence in Shandong Province, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:876615. [PMID: 35719628 PMCID: PMC9197688 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.876615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Local governments in China took restrictive measures after the outbreak of COVID-19 to control its spread, which unintentionally resulted in reduced anthropogenic emission sources of air pollutants. In this study, we intended to examine the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown policy on the concentration levels of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of ≤1 μm (PM1), ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), and ≤10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) and the potential subsequent reductions in the incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in Shandong Province, China. Methods A difference-in-difference model combining the daily incidence data for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and air pollutant data in 126 counties was used to estimate the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on the air pollutant levels and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke incident counts. The avoided ischemic stroke cases related to the changes in air pollutant exposure levels were further estimated using concentration-response functions from previous studies. Results The PM1, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO levels significantly decreased by −30.2, −20.9, −13.5, −46.3, and −13.1%, respectively. The O3 level increased by 11.5% during the lockdown compared with that in the counterfactual lockdown phase of the past 2 years. There was a significant reduction in population-weighted ischemic stroke cases (−15,315, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −27,689, −2,942), representing a reduction of 27.6% (95% CI: −49.9%, −5.3%). The change in the number of hemorrhagic stroke cases was not statistically significant. The total avoided PM1-, PM2.5-, PM10-, NO2-, and CO–related ischemic stroke cases were 739 (95% CI: 641, 833), 509 (95% CI: 440, 575), 355 (95% CI: 304, 405), 1,132 (95% CI: 1,024, 1,240), and 289 (95% CI: 236, 340), respectively. Conclusion The COVID-19 lockdown indirectly reduced the concentration levels of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO and subsequently reduced the associated ischemic stroke incidence. The health benefits due to the lockdown are temporary, and long-term measures should be implemented to increase air quality and related health benefits in the post-COVID-19 period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zilong Lu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Bingyin Zhang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhui Liu
- Information and Data Analysis Lab, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolei Guo
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Xiaolei Guo
| | - Bo Xi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xi
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Loo BPY, Huang Z. Spatio-temporal variations of traffic congestion under work from home (WFH) arrangements: Lessons learned from COVID-19. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 124:103610. [PMID: 35095163 PMCID: PMC8784440 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.103610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Traffic congestion has been a persistent problem in cities globally. Theoretically, commuting-related congestion can be relieved by promoting working from home (WFH). Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, WFH arrangement has been encouraged or enforced to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Under these circumstances, it was reported that traffic congestion has been alleviated in many cities. However, changes in congestion patterns within a city have not been studied in-depth. In this study, we analysed the congestion index (CI) at peak hours, when commuting-related congestion is typically most serious, throughout different waves of the pandemic in Hong Kong. Results show that under WFH arrangement, peak-hour congestion has been alleviated. Within a day, morning peak congestion was more relieved. Spatially, significant drops in CI were found not only in the central business district and urban cores but also in some new town areas. This paper has significant implications for urban planners in creating more sustainable cities that duly consider the commuting needs of residents, and cautions against the optimism that WFH can relieve urban transport problems despite jobs-housing imbalance. While the WFH arrangement has potentials to ease commuting congestion, future e-working and transport measures need to take spatial and temporal dimensions into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky P Y Loo
- Department of Geography, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiran Huang
- Department of Geography, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Screening Approach for Short-Term PM2.5 Health Co-Benefits: A Case Study from 15 Metropolitan Cities around the World during the COVID-19 Pandemic. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fifteen cities across the world have been selected to investigate the public health co-benefits of PM2.5 reduction, during a period when various non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were adopted in the COVID-19 pandemic. Through applying a public health model, AirQ+, substantial spatial variations of global public health co-benefits were identified. Differences in seasonal air quality and population baselines were key underlying factors. For cities in North America, NPIs were introduced during the low pollution season, generating no co-benefits. On the other hand, tremendous health co-benefits were observed for cities in India and China, due to the high PM2.5 background with a large population. Among all, New Delhi has received the largest co-benefits, which saved over 14,700 premature deaths. As the pollution level (i.e., 45 μg m−3) with NPIs still exceeded the air quality standard, more rigorous emission controls are urgently needed to protect the public′s health in India. At last, a novel and practical tool for co-benefit screening was developed using data from one of the global measurement networks (i.e., IQAir).
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Sarmadi M, Rahimi S, Rezaei M, Sanaei D, Dianatinasab M. Air quality index variation before and after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive study on 87 capital, industrial and polluted cities of the world. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2021; 33:134. [PMID: 34900511 PMCID: PMC8645297 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-021-00575-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provided an opportunity for the environment to reduce ambient pollution despite the economic, social and health disruption to the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the air quality indexes (AQI) in industrial, densely populated and capital cities in different countries of the world before and after 2020. In this ecological study, we used AQI obtained from the free available databases such as the World Air Quality Index (WAQI). Bivariate correlation analysis was used to explore the correlations between meteorological and AQI variables. Mean differences (standard deviation: SD) of AQI parameters of different years were tested using paired-sample t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test as appropriate. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to recognize meteorological variables affecting the AQI parameters. RESULTS AQI-PM2.5, AQI-PM10 and AQI-NO2 changes were significantly higher before and after 2020, simultaneously with COVID-19 restrictions in different cities of the world. The overall changes of AQI-PM2.5, AQI-PM10 and AQI-NO2 in 2020 were - 7.36%, - 17.52% and - 20.54% compared to 2019. On the other hand, these results became reversed in 2021 (+ 4.25%, + 9.08% and + 7.48%). In general, the temperature and relative humidity were inversely correlated with AQI-PM2.5, AQI-PM10 and AQI-NO2. Also, after adjusting for other meteorological factors, the relative humidity was inversely associated with AQI-PM2.5, AQI-PM10 and AQI-NO2 (β = - 1.55, β = - 0.88 and β = - 0.10, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that air quality generally improved for all pollutants except carbon monoxide and ozone in 2020; however, changes in 2021 have been reversed, which may be due to the reduction of some countries' restrictions. Although this quality improvement was temporary, it is an important result for planning to control environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sarmadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Sajjad Rahimi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Mina Rezaei
- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Daryoush Sanaei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Dianatinasab
- Department of Complex Genetics and Epidemiology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Klinger C, Burns J, Movsisyan A, Biallas R, Norris SL, Rabe JE, Stratil JM, Voss S, Wabnitz K, Rehfuess EA, Verboom B. Unintended health and societal consequences of international travel measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. J Travel Med 2021; 28:taab123. [PMID: 34369562 PMCID: PMC8436381 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE International travel measures to contain the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represent a relatively intrusive form of non-pharmaceutical intervention. To inform decision-making on the (re)implementation, adaptation, relaxation or suspension of such measures, it is essential to not only assess their effectiveness but also their unintended effects. METHODS This scoping review maps existing empirical studies on the unintended consequences, both predicted and unforeseen, and beneficial or harmful, of international travel measures. We searched multiple health, non-health and COVID-19-specific databases. The evidence was charted in a map in relation to the study design, intervention and outcome categories identified and discussed narratively. RESULTS Twenty-three studies met our inclusion criteria-nine quasi-experimental, two observational, two mathematical modelling, six qualitative and four mixed-methods studies. Studies addressed different population groups across various countries worldwide. Seven studies provided information on unintended consequences of the closure of national borders, six looked at international travel restrictions and three investigated mandatory quarantine of international travellers. No studies looked at entry and/or exit screening at national borders exclusively, however six studies considered this intervention in combination with other international travel measures. In total, 11 studies assessed various combinations of the aforementioned interventions. The outcomes were mostly referred to by the authors as harmful. Fifteen studies identified a variety of economic consequences, six reported on aspects related to quality of life, well-being, and mental health and five on social consequences. One study each provided information on equity, equality, and the fair distribution of benefits and burdens, environmental consequences and health system consequences. CONCLUSION This scoping review represents the first step towards a systematic assessment of the unintended benefits and harms of international travel measures during COVID-19. The key research gaps identified might be filled with targeted primary research, as well as the additional consideration of gray literature and non-empirical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Klinger
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jacob Burns
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ani Movsisyan
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Renke Biallas
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Susan L Norris
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Julia E Rabe
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jan M Stratil
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Voss
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Wabnitz
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Eva A Rehfuess
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ben Verboom
- Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Barnett House, 32 Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2ER
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The Improvement of Air Quality and Associated Mortality during the COVID-19 Lockdown in One Megacity of China: An Empirical Strategy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168702. [PMID: 34444451 PMCID: PMC8391611 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although the lockdown policy implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic indeed improved the air quality and reduced the related health risks, the real effects of the lockdown and its resulting health risks remain unclear considering the effects of unobserved confounders and the longstanding efforts of the government regarding air pollution. We compared air pollution between the lockdown period and the period before the lockdown using a difference-in-differences (DID) model and estimated the mortality burden caused by the number of deaths related to air pollution changes. The NO2 and CO concentrations during the lockdown period (17 days) declined by 8.94 μg/m3 (relative change: 16.94%; 95% CI: 3.71, 14.16) and 0.20 mg/m3 (relative change: 16.95%; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.35) on an average day, respectively, and O3 increased by 8.41 μg/m3 (relative change: 32.80%; 95% CI: 4.39, 12.43); no meaningful impacts of the lockdown policy on the PM2.5, PM10, SO2, or the AQI values were observed. Based on the three clearly changed air pollutants, the lockdown policy prevented 8.22 (95% CI: 3.97, 12.49) all-cause deaths. Our findings suggest that the overall excess deaths caused by air pollution during the lockdown period declined. It is beneficial for human health when strict control measures, such as upgrading industry structure and promoting green transportation, are taken to reduce emissions, especially in cities with serious air pollution in China, such as Shijiazhuang.
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