Scope of imposing lockdown in the containment of coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and the decision to relax

Abstract

The ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced the public health authorities to implement stringent measures, with an aim to reduce the mobility of the general population and thus interrupt the chain of transmission. An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was carried out in the PubMed search engine and World Health Organization website, and a total of six articles were selected based upon the suitability with the current review objectives. Keywords used in the search include COVID-19, Lockdown, and Exit. To contain the rapid spread of the disease, some of the affected nations have imposed complete lockdown within their settings. However, it is important to consider that the strategy of lockdown cannot be there for prolonged periods of time as it interrupts the social life and negatively affects the economy of the nation immensely. Thus, it is quite essential to lift these restrictions, but of course, the decision should be not taken in haste as it will again result in the resurgence of the cases and will overwhelm the health system. In conclusion, the decision to impose a lockdown has been an effective strategy to reduce the risk of transmission. However, it is also important to plan for revoking the same, and this will obviously require strengthening of the health system and the complete support from the community.