COVID-19 outbreak In Palestine: Early Response and National Strategies Implemented in Confronting the Epidemic

Abstract

The early response and management of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the outbreak in Palestine is summarized in this report. Since the WHO announced the pandemic, COVID-19 has rapidly extended globally within a short period of time putting health systems in many countries on alert. This report aims to provide an overview of the national strategies implemented to contain the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Palestine, highlighting the main steps implemented in etiology, epidemiology, vulnerability, social and economic impacts. Containment of the disease was very successful at the early outbreak by legally enforced lockdown which proved a golden strategy to tackle the disease. Community outreach and raising awareness, and implementation of legally enforced preventive measures were essential to contain the spread of the epidemic in Palestine. Monitoring the outcome of health and preventive measures are important to live the epidemic and minimize its unintentional negative impacts.