The Second Wave of COVID-19 and Risk of the Third Wave: Factors Affecting the Continuous Transmission, Spread of, and Increased Mortality Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) originated from China and spread globally within a short period. The spread of the first and second wave of COVID-19 were influenced by factors such as population density and weather changes. Areas that are densely populated have reported increased confirmed cases of COVID-19 compared to less populated areas. The main reason for this could be the fact that it is difficult to practice social distancing in overpopulated countries. With regards to temperature changes, most respiratory infections affect people when temperatures are low. This is exaggerated when there is increased air pollution in the environment. Economic factors have prevented countries to conduct a lockdown of epicentre towns and cities. This is in fear of an economic shut down because some cities are economic cornerstones of countries. Politically, most political leaders have failed to lockdown their countries for the fear of losing political support from their citizens. Further, some traditional and religious beliefs have also influenced the spread of COVID-19, thereby leading to increased morbidity and mortality globally. The spread of COVID-19 has been worsened by peoples negative perceptions and misinformation that COVID-19 is a myth, and thus relax to adhere to the recommended preventive measures. Besides, comorbidities, poor health-seeking behavior, and lack of vaccines, inadequate treatment modalities and test kits have worsened the failure to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiation and implementation of COVID-19 vaccination programs will help reduce the disease burden. However, there is need to improve the awareness and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines globally. Low COVID-19 vaccine acceptability and uptake due vaccine hesitancy have been reported globally. Hence, there is a need for continuous community sensitisation and education programmes and campaigns on the benefits of vaccines in containing disease outbreaks.

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers in Africa, Associated Factors and Coping Mechanisms: A Systematic Review

“…The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak first originated in China and later spread to other countries [1] [2] [3] [4]. Since its declaration as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020, it has burdened healthcare systems leading to negative effects on the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) and students [5] [6] [7].…”

Challenges Affecting African Countries in the Fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Interventional Strategies in Low-and Middle-Income Countries

“…In most African countries, COVID-19 patients are quarantined in designated COVID-19 isolation centers. The challenges faced by most African countries in testing for SARS-CoV-2 borders around the availability of testing kits, laboratory capacity for molecular work, and staffing[70]…”