Public Health Management of A COVID-19 Case Imported from The Netherlands And Contacts in 2020

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202202_38(4).0001

Ching-Ti Hu^*, Shu-Jane Chang, Ching-Ying Chen, Jen-Yih Lee, Huai-Te Tsai, Tzu-Chun Chen, Tsuey-Fong Lee

2022 Vol.38 NO.4

Correspondence Author： Ching-Ti Hu^*

Abstract：

        In March 2020, Tainan City had a confirmed case of COVID-19 imported from the Netherlands. After investigation by the Southern Regional Center, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, we obtained the history of activities during the incubation period of the case, and listed relevant contacts. A total of 128 contacts were identified and classified by the risk of exposure, and were arranged to home isolation or self-health management. The Public Health Bureau of Tainan City Government monitored the health status of the contacts and arranged the hospital visiting. Twelve symptomatic contacts were tested and were all negative for SARS-CoV-2. In the end of the monitoring periods, there were no new confirmed cases. By cooperating with each other, the central and local governments prevented the spread of the disease. Considering the seriousness of international epidemic, there is a risk of sporadic imported cases. We recommended keeping border quarantine and home quarantine for 14 days for all travelers to reduce the risk of transmission. We also recommended using multiple ways of advocacy for COVID-19 control to the public and health care providers to improve the awareness of COVID-19 and control measures.