Modelling testing and response strategies for COVID-19 outbreaks in remote Australian Aboriginal communities

BB Hui; D Brown; RH Chisholm; N Geard; J McVernon; DG Regan

Journal article

Modelling testing and response strategies for COVID-19 outbreaks in remote Australian Aboriginal communities

BB Hui, D Brown, RH Chisholm, N Geard, J McVernon, DG Regan

BMC Infectious Diseases | Published : 2021

DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06607-5

Download PDF

Abstract

Background: Remote Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have potential to be severely impacted by COVID-19, with multiple factors predisposing to increased transmission and disease severity. Our modelling aims to inform optimal public health responses. Methods: An individual-based simulation model represented SARS-CoV2 transmission in communities ranging from 100 to 3500 people, comprised of large, interconnected households. A range of strategies for case finding, quarantining of contacts, testing, and lockdown were examined, following the silent introduction of a case. Results: Multiple secondary infections are likely present by the time the first case is identified...

View full abstract

University of Melbourne Researchers

Rebecca Chisholm Author

Nic Geard Author

Jodie McVernon Author

Related Projects (1)

DEFINING OPTIMAL STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINED CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

My work helps us understand how infections spread between people, to work out the most effective use of vaccines and other protective measur..

Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council

Funding Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council through Centre of Research Excellence (GNT1170960). JMcV is supported by a NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship (GNT1117140). None of the funding bodies were or will be involved in the study design, model analysis, interpretation of findings and manuscript writing.