Opportunities for surgical research in the Covid-19 era

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on 11 March 2020 (1). This was followed by near total disruption of all sectors, including the health sector, that will have lasting impact. The WHO further warns that COVID-19 will be here for a long time. Without a known cure, preventive measures such as travel restrictions, social distancing and isolation have had obvious and hidden consequences, including disrupting access to and continuity of health care.