Reduction in asthma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic: consequence of public health measures in Singapore

Abstract

A sustained reduction in asthma admissions with PCR-proven respiratory viral infections coincided with the widespread adoption of public health measures, including social distancing and wearing of face coverings, during a pandemic https://bit.ly/2Kug9iw

FIGURE 1

Admissions for asthma with concurrent respiratory viral infections at a tertiary hospital in Singapore (January 2018 to November 2020). a) Number of asthma admissions tested for respiratory viruses, and number that tested positive, at the Singapore General Hospital (January 2018 to November 2020). The routine panel for respiratory virus testing included testing for influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses, parainfluenza virus types 1–4, human metapneumovirus, coronaviruses and adenoviruses. b) All asthma admissions at the Singapore General Hospital (January 2018 to November 2020). 1) First reported case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Singapore on 23 January 2020. Nationwide emphasis on hand and respiratory hygiene. 2) 24 March 2020: social distancing measures limiting gatherings outside of work and school to a maximum of 10 people; closure of large public venues (e.g. religious places and entertainment venues). 3) 7 April 2020 to 2 June 2020: nationwide lockdown. All non-essential workplaces and schools closed. Wearing of face coverings in public made compulsory from 14 April 2020 onwards. 4) 2 June 2020 onwards: lockdown lifted; continued emphasis on hand hygiene; compulsory wearing of face coverings in public; gatherings of up to five people allowed outside of work and school.