Base protocol for real time active random surveillance of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Adapting veterinary methodology to public health

• Published in: One health Vol. 9; p. 100129
• Main Authors: Foddai, Alessandro, Lubroth, Juan, Ellis-Iversen, Johanne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-06-2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Active random surveillance; COVID-19; New coronavirus; Pandemic; Short Communication; COVID-19; New coronavirus; Pandemic; Active random surveillance
• ISSN: 2352-7714; 2352-7714
• DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100129

The pandemic of new coronavirus disease COVID-19 is threatening our health, economy and life style. Collaborations across countries and sectors as a One Health World could be a milestone.
We propose a general protocol, for setting timely active random surveillance of COVID-19, at the human community level, with systematic repeated detection efforts. Strengths and limitations are discussed.
If considered applicable by public health, the protocol could evaluate the status of COVID-19 epidemics consistently and objectively.
•A base protocol is proposed for setting active random surveillance of COVID-19.•The protocol is based on widely known veterinary surveillance methodologies.•By applying the protocol, COVID-19 epidemics could be consistently assessed.•The protocol could be a milestone in the battle against the pandemic.•Authorities could consider if the protocol is applicable for public health.