Decreased Incidence Of Enterovirus And Norovirus Infections During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Victoria, Australia, 2020

Significant reductions in the incidence of enteroviruses and noroviruses, both transmitted primarily by the faecal-oral route, were noted in 2020 compared to the previous decade, in Victoria, Australia. The enterovirus specimen positivity rate was reduced by 84.2% in 2020, while the norovirus outbreak positivity rate dedined by 49.0%. The most likely explanation for these reductions is the concurrence of social restrictions, physical distancing, personal hygiene awareness and international and domestic border dosures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.