Calibrating long-term non-pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 : principles and facilitation tools

Abstract

Countries and areas in the Western Pacific Region have implemented strict non-pharmaceutical interventions (‎NPIs)‎ against novel coronavirus disease (‎COVID-19)‎, aiming to interrupt or reduce transmission. While effective in controlling the epidemic, some of these measures have significant socioeconomic costs and may negatively impact the physical and emotional well-being of populations. This document proposes guiding principles and five steps for countries to implement an NPI strategy that balances epidemiological benefit and socioeconomic costs.