Successful nonpharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19

Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) limited COVID-19 cases at basic training at a U.S. Air Force base to just five, researchers report in MMWR. The analysis included nearly 11,000 trainees at a Texas base from early March until mid-April. Trainees were tested for SARS-CoV-2 only if they showed symptoms. The base also quarantined new arrivals for 2 weeks in a separate area, instructed trainees to stay 6 feet apart, and mandated universal use of cloth face coverings. Some 3% of trainees underwent testing. All five who tested positive were in arrival quarantine at the time; three were contacts of the first patient. No additional cases were reported. “These findings demonstrate the success of widespread implementation of NPIs,” the researchers write.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6922e2.htm