Internal travel restrictions
Findings
One epidemiological and four simulation studies were included in the systematic review.
A 75% travel restriction had almost no effect.
Only very strict internal travel restriction (90% or more travel restriction) would be expected to have an impact on influenza transmission.
Restricting internal travel would require a large amount of public resources. In addition, there would be consequences for the supply chains of food and essential medicines due to the disruption of movement.
The adverse economic impact on vulnerable populations such as migrant workers and individuals who need to travel to seek medical attention must be considered.
Legal and ethical issues surrounding restrictions on freedom of movement of persons and economic consequences are potential harms that may result from internal travel restrictions.
The acceptability of such measures is doubtful.
Quality of evidence: There is a very low overall quality of evidence that internal travel restrictions can reduce influenza transmission.
Overall strength of recommendation: Conditionally recommended
This measure can be conditionally recommended during the early stages of a localized extraordinarily severe pandemic for a limited period of time.
Before implementation, it is important to consider cost-effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility as well as ethical and legal considerations in relation to this measure.
Useful Links:
Links to previous articles in this series:
Link to the related WHO document:
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/329438/9789241516839-eng.pdf?ua=1
