Initial Developments to Contain SARS-CoV-2 Spread and the Viability of the Virus on Different Surfaces and Environments

Abstract

This review article examines the initial incidences stemming from the emergence of the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The various developments and concepts of COVID-19 disease and the SARS-CoV-2 virus have also been covered. Financial and administrative issues prevented the Tokyo 2020 Olympics from occurring as planned due to the outbreak. As of May 28, 2020, before the Olympic schedule (July 24–August 9, 2020), 5.7 million people had contracted the virus, leading to 355,000 deaths globally. The virus spread, causing deaths that led to the suspension of international travel. The article also discusses SARS-CoV-2 testing, treatment, and vaccine development. The initial phase-wise development and final preparation of vaccines and drugs by companies and research organizations have been mentioned. Experts recommended following well-known 3Cs protocols (avoiding closed spaces and crowded places and contacts) and using a three-layer surgical mask to stop the spread of the virus. In the Dharavi slum (Mumbai, India), no new infections were reported during the second and most damaging Delta wave due to generation of herd immunity among slum dwellers. During the initial Wuhan outbreak, up to 75% of people in the slums developed antibodies from natural infection, which helped prevent further surges. Recently published “Health Index Theory,” which claims that states with better health infrastructure had more infections than those with poor infrastructure, explained why the normalized caseload (per million) varied in different Indian states. Kerala, a state with advanced healthcare infrastructure, reported a higher caseload than Uttar Pradesh, a state with poor health facilities, according to India’s health index. The main text of the article discusses the virus’s ability to survive in different environments and methods for sanitization to help control virus transmission. The cited reference provides additional details. Transmission occurs among humans, between humans and pets, and among pets living together. There was no outbreak due to reverse zoonotic transmission.