Corona Virus Pandemic | Assignment

Running head: EPIDEMIOLOGY
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

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EPIDEMIOLOGY
Question 1) Select a recent newspaper article related to COVID 19. You can attach the
article to the assignment or provide a working URL at the beginning of your response.
a) Describe the main issue discussed in the newspaper article and what it is about
b) Consider that there is a new diagnostic laboratory blood test being used for
COVID 19. What are the consequences for sensitivity and specificity for this
test and its use ?
c) Is the COVID 19 diagnostic test a gold standard? Why or why not?
d) How is either the newspaper article that you selected or the concept of
learning about sensitivity and specificity relevant to you as a future registered
nurse?
Answer 1
URL: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-nearly-half-of-canadas-covid-19-
cases-now-acquired-through-community/
a) The main issues described in the newspaper are on the rising cases of COVID-19
cases in Canada and demand in increasing the test options even if the people are showing
mild symptoms. In the last few days, it had been observed that almost half of Canada’s
population are getting acquired through community spread, with a significant shift in the
number of infections, deaths as well hospitalisation all over the country (The globe and mail,
2020). On March 23, 2020 it was reported that Canada would be facing crucial 2 weeks as
hospitals would be facing an influx for severely ill patients. Canada had already faced a
confirmed case of 1500 people with COVID-19 out of which 20 were reported dead. Public
Health Agency of Canada have reported 44 percent of COVID-19 cases occurring due to
community transmission only. Hence, it is clear that the virus is getting transferred only by
visiting friends or shopping in supermarkets and not due to international travel. On March 22,
it was reported by Horacio Arruda, health director of Quebec public health that in Quebec
about 40 to 60 percent of the cases are from local transmission. Horacio Arruda informed that
epidemiological situation that is being observed were expected. The newspaper article also
informed that there are some cases in Ontario, that people are not being tested with mild

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symptoms. Hence, people are feeling that the true degree of the disease is immensely
miscalculated. They want the government to take serious step about warning people to
prevent going in the social gathering. This would prevent from further spread of disease. The
paper gave a clear idea about the issues which focusses on the trauma of the people of getting
infected with the disease and the feeling that the still needs to take some serious measures to
prevent it. As a result, they want governments to do more to warn people they could become
infected if they continue to interact with friends, extended family or others.
b) The sensitivity of the test imitates the likelihood that the screening test would be
positive in the people suffering from the disease (Remolina, 2020). In comparison, the
specificity of the test reveals the possibility that the screening test would be negative amid
those people who are not suffering from the disease.
The use of the test is to differentiate between a healthy individual and people
suffering with COVID-19 (Guastalegname & Vallone, 2020). These test would help in
identification of an individual even with minor symptom and hence required treatment can be
provided.
c) Yes, COVID-19 diagnostic test is of gold standard. COVID-19 is a pandemic virus
that had affected the whole world. As per the report of March 26, 2020, COVID-19 has
affected about 492,056 people in the world and the death have exceeded to about 22175
(Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), 2020). Italy followed by Spain have faced the major
deaths. Hence, diagnostic tests are recommended and it is of gold standard so that early
diagnosis and prevention can be done. People suffering from the disease can be quarantined
that would prevent from further spread. In Canada, a total of 3409 cases were identified for
COVID-19 as per March 25, 2020 with 35 deaths. It have stated that the diagnostic test for

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COVID-19 would bring the situation of this pandemic under control, hence considered to be
of gold standard.
Henceforth, it had been observed that that the diagnostic test of COVID-19 is
precarious to trace the virus, having an understanding of epidemiology, transmission
suppression as well as informing case management about the people with symptom is
necessary. World Health Organisation (WHO) has rationalised the Laboratory Testing
Strategy as per the 4Cs transmission situations.
d) The news articles chosen as well as the concept have strong relevance towards
future nurse. The COVID-19 is highly pandemic and is affecting numerous people and
causing several deaths. The measures taken by the government to prevent COVID-19 would
create an impact on nurses as well as other health care people as they have to continue the
treatment for people with the disease that requires serious protection. As it is communicable
disease, if nurses donot take proper it might infect the nurse (Borasio, Gamondi, Obrist, Jox
& for the COVID-19 task force of palliative ch, 2020). Future registered need to find a proper
diagnostic measure for the people with COVID-19 positive sensitivity. The diagnostic tool is
still not discovered as the disease is new and hence development of the diagnosed tool and
the use depends on the researchers, health professionals as well as nurses. Every nursing
concept have separate guidelines, hence it is responsibility of the nurses to set guidelines and
work accordingly. COVID-19 is a pandemic destroying the world hence, immediate cure and
treatment guideline is necessary.