Table 5.

Measures recommended by the WHO for preventing transmission and slowing down the COVID-19 epidemic, 2020

Implementation level	Intervention
Individual	Hand hygiene: handwashing or use of hydroalcoholic solution. Physical distancing. Respiratory etiquette. Masks for infected and symptomatic individuals.
Community	Mass masking with surgical and/or homemade masks by everyone in public spaces. Avoid crowding and mass gatherings.
Public authorities	Tracing, testing and isolating cases and providing them with appropriate care. Tracking, quarantining and monitoring of asymptomatic contacts. Protecting health workers and vulnerable groups. Environmental cleaning and sanitising. Closures of schools, places of worship, sporting events, non-essential shops. Workplace closures and other measures: work from home where possible and/or reduction in workforce capacity. Public transportation closures. Stay-at-home orders. Limiting national and international travel. Maintaining essential health services. Ensuring continuity of essential social and economic functions and services.