Will cases of leprosy reaction increase with COVID-19 infection?

In the T1R, the type 1 helper (Th1) response predominates in lesions and the serum of patients with high levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) [9]. The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids are dose dependent. [...]at high doses, their effects are immunosuppressive, causing emerging infections, such as COVID-19, in these susceptible patients [17]. Even though some clinical trials are underway to investigate the use of thalidomide—alone or combined with systemic glucocorticoids, such as methylprednisolone—to treat moderate and severe COVID-19 pneumonia, there are no final conclusions ensuring that they are an effective treatment [20]. [...]we believe that, as the number of new cases of COVID-19 infection increases, the incidence of leprosy reactions may also increase considerably. [...]for leprosy patients on treatment or after discharge from MDT, we recommend what medical doctors and health teams advise with the goal to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2, such as the following: the use of masks in the community; stay home and self-isolate from others; wash hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub; avoid close contact (staying 2 meters away from other people); and cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze.