Exploring the scope of gatherings in the causation of COVID-19 outbreaks

Abstract

The ongoing coronavirus disease – 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the dynamics of all sectors and has significantly impacted the functioning of the healthcare delivery system. The purpose of the current review was to explore the significance of gatherings in COVID-19 outbreaks and the strategies to be implemented prior to organize a gathering to minimize the potential risk of a COVID-19 outbreak. An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was carried out in the PubMed search engine and a total of 14 articles were selected. Keywords used in the search include COVID-19 and gathering in the title alone only. As COVID-19 infection spreads via close contact, a gathering of any size carries the definite potential to amplify the risk of transmission and initiate a new chain of disease outbreaks. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from being yet over, and the decision to organize a gathering has to be based on the risk evaluation, risk mitigation, and establishment of a risk communication strategy. Even with all this, zero risk does not exist, and the best approach will be to strictly implement all the prevention and control measures and be responsible in all the gatherings.