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Table 1 Variables included in the analysis, definitions, and sources

From: Countries with delayed COVID-19 introduction – characteristics, drivers, gaps, and opportunities

Variable

Definition

Source

Country characteristics

 Level of development

Level of development as measured by per capita gross national income: high-income, upper-middle-income, lower-middle-income and low-income

UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (2019)

 Vulnerability classifications

Vulnerable country designations by the United Nations: Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States

UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and the Small Island Developing States

 Inbound visitor arrival (per capita population)

Calculated ratio of inbound visitor arrivals at national borders (non-resident visitors, including overnight and same-day visitors, tourists and excursionists) to country population

UN World Tourism Organization (2017–2018); WHO

 Global connectedness index (GCI)

An index measures globalization based on trade, capital, information, and people flows; ranking is available on 169 countries and areas: higher rank indicates less global connectedness

Altman et al., DHL Global Connectedness Index 2018 - The State of Globalization in a Fragile World (2019)

Health security and healthcare indicators

 Global health security index

An index on comprehensive assessment of global health security capabilities in 195 countries that make up the States Parties to the International Health Regulations; ranking on Overall and on Detection are presented (out of 195): higher rank indicates lower health security capabilities

Global Health Security Index (2019)

 # Doctor (per 10 k)

Number of doctors per 10,000 population

WHO Global Health Observatory

 # Nurse & midwives (per 10 k)

Number of nurses and midwives per 10,000 population

COVID-19 testing and influenza surveillance

 In-country COVID-19 testing (if yes, capacity)

If reporting available test kits or COVID-19-capable laboratories, then “Yes”. If a country has test kits but explicitly states no lab, then “No”. If yes, brief description of testing capacity

Official websites and social media channels of country Ministries of Health and other governments, and U.S. Embassies

 Export COVID-19 testing

If no in-country testing capability, report that samples had been sent to another country for testing or a plan to export samples for testing

 Influenza surveillance (if yes, type)

Reporting influenza surveillance information to WHO Global Influenza Programme from May 2019 and April 2020. If yes, reported laboratory (Lab) and/or epidemiology (ILI: influenza-like illness, SARI: severe acute respiratory infections) surveillances

WHO Global Influenza Programme (2019–2020)

Border control measures

Yes/No/Unknown

 

 Travel restrictions

Any international flight suspensions, restricted air/land/sea border crossing activities, or suggestions to postpone travel outside of the country

Official websites and social media channels of country Ministries of Health and other governments, and U.S. Embassies

 Border closures

Suspension of air/land/sea-based points of entry. Island nations suspending cruise ship docking

 Screening at points of entry

Symptom checks screening (e.g. temperature checks), travel history taken, and/or requirement of certification of COVID-19 free

 Traveler quarantine

14-day isolation of travelers entering the country, mandatory or advised, self-isolation or government quarantine at a facility, or initial self-quarantine in country of origin or other disease-free area

COVID-19 preparedness activities

Yes/No/Unknown

 

 COVID-19 preparedness plan or strategy

Mention of a COVID-19 task force, a plan or a strategy for preparing the country for the arrival of COVID-19, either by the country government or through collaboration with WHO, UN, or another country

Official websites and social media channels of country Ministries of Health and other governments, and U.S. Embassies

 Mass gathering restrictions

Instructions and/or announcements to limit gatherings to a specified number of people or less; mandatory or advised/encouraged

 School closures

Extension of school holidays or complete school cancellation

 Business closures

Complete closure of some businesses or all non-essential businesses

 Funding for COVID-19 activities

Financial resources released by the government or received from an external partner designated for COVID-19 preparedness

 Healthcare worker training

COVID-19 trainings or refreshers for healthcare workers

 Availability of PPE

Acquisition of a supply of masks, gloves, gowns, respirators, or face shields that’ll be available to health workers.

 Quarantine/isolation facilities

Designated locations for travelers or other exposed persons to quarantine or self-isolate for 14 days