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The main aim of the national capacities review tool is to better understand existing capacities in the area of detection and response to a novel coronavirus (nCoV) that is zoonotic and causes respiratory disease. The tool was developed with other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, in mind and in consultation with member states. This information will help national authorities to i) identify main gaps ii) perform risk assessments and iii) plan for additional investigations, response and control actions.

What is this? Traditional Chinese medicine and other forms of herbal medicine have been suggested as treatments for COVID-19 patients. Several potentially relevant systematic reviews have been done and the findings are summarised here. More details on these reviews, including citations and links to their full text, are available further down this page. What was found: At the time of these reviews, the included studies suggest that herbal and traditional Chinese medicine (alone or in combination with Western treatment) may improve symptoms, and other patient outcomes, for patients with COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses. However, the conclusions of these reviews should be interpreted with caution because of the generally low quality of their included studies. The Xiong review (searches done up to 21 June 2020) reported that the potential benefits applied to COVID-19 patients irrespective of disease severity. The other reviews were limited to patients with mild-moderate infection or did not comment on disease severity. The effects of herbal and traditional Chinese medicine on mortality for COVID-19 patients with COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses are uncertain.

En este documento se proporciona orientación a las autoridades regulatorias nacionales y los sistemas regulatorios sobre algunas formas prácticas de utilizar las decisiones de autoridades de otras jurisdicciones para autorizar el uso de emergencia de medicamentos y otras tecnologías sanitarias en una pandemia y justo antes o después. Se insta a los países a que elaboren planes para la preparación y la respuesta regulatorias con respecto a una pandemia, incluida la autorización del uso de emergencia de medicamentos y tecnologías sanitarias. De esta forma habrá un proceso legal y ordenado para acelerar la incorporación de estos productos en los sistemas de salud.

En contexto de Pandemia COVID-19 el Ministerio de Salud NO SUGIERE el uso de mascarillas quirúrgicas en población general. [Marzo 21, 2020]

Mast cells are present in mucosal and connective tissues throughout the body. They participate in the innate and adaptive immune process and have an important role in inflammation and allergy. Mast cells located in the submucosa of the respiratory tract are known to be activated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Once activated, degranulation occurs releasing histamine and proteases. Late mast-cell activation leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Vitamin D is required to maintain the stability of mast cells, and Vitamin D deficiency results in mast cell activation.

Objetivo: Establecer lineamientos de prevención y control para la atención de casos sospechosos o confirmados de infección por el virus SARS CoV-2 / COVID-19 en diferentes ámbitos de acción.

Cases with suspected or possible reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 have been recently reported in different countries. In many of these cases, it is uncertain if the individual’s Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test remained positive for a long period of time following the first episode of infection or whether it represents a true reinfection.

This Campbell Systematic Review examines the effectiveness of different approaches for promoting handwashing and sanitation behaviour change, and factors affecting implementation, in low and middle‐income countries. The review summarises evidence from 42 impact evaluations, and from 28 qualitative studies. Community‐based approaches which include a sanitation component can increase handwashing with soap at key times; use of latrines and safe disposal of faeces; and reduce the frequency of open defecation. Social marketing seems less effective. The approach mainly shows an effect on sanitation outcomes when interventions combine handwashing and sanitation components. Sanitation and hygiene messaging with a focus on handwashing with soap has an effect after the intervention has ended, but there is little impact on sanitation outcomes. However, these effects are not sustainable in the long term. Using elements of psychosocial theory in a small‐scale handwashing promotion intervention, or adding theory‐based elements such as infrastructure promotion or public commitment to an existing promotional approach, seem promising for handwashing with soap. None of the approaches described have consistent effects on behavioural factors such as knowledge, skills and attitude. There are no consistent effects on health.

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Lineamientos: Estas medidas se recomiendan para todos aquellos costarricenses, residentes y diplomáticos que ingresen al país y que puedan favorecer el surgimiento de una cadena de transmisión por COVID-19.