Table 1.
Summary of the main control measures implemented during SARS and COVID-19, by date of onset (if available).
| COVID-19 | SARS | |
|---|---|---|
| Date of onset | 8 December 2019 | 16 November 2002 |
| Number of cases reported | 90.655 (Mainland, by 29 April 2021)a | 5.327 in mainland China |
| Control measures | Days since onset (Date) | Days since onset (Date) |
| Organizational and administrative measures | ||
| Joint prevention and control mechanism | 44 days (21 January 2020) | N/A |
| Joint leading group | 48 days (25 January 2020) | 158 days (25 April 2003) |
| Emergency response | Level 2: 29 days (6 January 2020) Level 1: 38 days (15 January 2020) | N/A |
| Notifiable infectious disease management | 43 days (January 20, 2020) | 143 days (8 April 2003) |
| Reporting | ||
| Public notification | 23 days (31 December 2019) | 138 days (3 April 2003); Guangdong-86 days (10 February 2003) |
| Mandatory reporting | 43 days (20 January 2020) | 143 days (8 April 2003); Guangdong−79 days (3 February 2003) |
| Notifying the WHO | 26 days (3 January 2020) | 87 days (11 February 2003) |
| Case detection and contact tracing | ||
| Blocking transmission | 24 days (1 January 2020) | N/A |
| Protocol for diagnosis and treatment | 38 days (15 January 2020) | 149 days (14 April 2003); Guangdong-68 days (23 January 2003) |
| Rapid detection technology | 27 days (4 January 2020) | 151 days (16 April 2003) |
| Case detection and isolation | 43 days (20 January 2020) | 143 days (8 April 2003); Guangdong 77 days (1–3 February 2003) |
| Contact tracing and quarantine | 38 days (15 January 2020) | |
| Contact tracing | Guangdong- 77 days (early February 2003); Beijing-144 days (9 April 2003) | |
| Quarantine | Guangdong- 131 days (27 March 2003); Beijing 156 days (21 April 2003) | |
| Travel-related measures | ||
| Travel restrictions | 46 days (23 January 2020) | N/A |
| Entrance and exit screening | 43 days (20 January 2020) | 157 days (22 April 2003) |
| Community containment measures | ||
| Decreasing social interaction | 49 days (26 January 2020) | 158 days (23 April 2003) |
| Community access control | 49 days (26 January 2020) | Only in very few communities |
| Hospital containment measures | ||
| Strict infection control | 57 days (3 February 2020) | 169 days (4 May 2003) |
| Establishing separate triage facilities | ||
| Triage in CHCs or Fever Clinics | 47days (24 January 2020) | 152 days (17 April 2003) |
| Designated hospital | 43 days (20 January 2020) | 156 days (21 April 2003)b |
| New hospital | Huoshenshan 58 days (4 February 2020) Leishenshan 62 days (8 February 2020) | Xiaotangshan 166 days (1 May 2003) |
| Makeshift hospitals | 59 days (5 February 2020) | N/A |
a
Data from the website of National Health commission of China: http://www.nhc.gov.cn/xcs/yqtb/202104/80fb5915f82049f4abf53293804382a2.shtml. (accessed April 30, 2021).