Honein, et al. (2020) highlight critical evidence-based CDC recommendations and sustainable strategies to reduce COVID-19 transmission. These strategies include:

- universal face mask use

- maintaining physical distance from other persons and limiting in-person contacts

- avoiding nonessential indoor spaces and crowded outdoor spaces

- increasing testing to rapidly identify and isolate infected persons

- promptly identifying, quarantining, and testing close contacts of persons with known COVID-19

- safeguarding persons most at risk for severe illness or death from infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19

- protecting essential workers with provision of adequate personal protective equipment and safe work practices

- postponing travel

- increasing room air ventilation and enhancing hand hygiene and environmental disinfection

- achieving widespread availability and high community coverage with effective COVID-19 vaccines. I

As the authors of the report in MMWR note, “In combination, these strategies can reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission, long-term sequelae or disability, and death, and mitigate the pandemic’s economic impact. Consistent implementation of these strategies.”

Reference: Honein MA, Christie A, et al. Summary of Guidance for Public Health Strategies to Address High Levels of Community Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and Related Deaths, December 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Vol. 69. Dec. 4, 2020.