Implementing the Work Bubbles Strategy During a COVID-19 Outbreak in a Company, Taiwan, 2022

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202305_39(10).0001

Pei-Ling Tseng*, Min-Nan Hong, Yen-Chang Tuan, Hui-Zhen Lin, Yu-Zhu Wang, Ming-Chang Lin

2023 Vol.39 NO.10

Correspondence Author: Pei-Ling Tseng*

  • Kaohsiung-Pingtung Regional Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan    

Abstract:

        In December 2019, an atypical pneumonia outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in Wuhan, China and was later named as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted not only human health but also the economy worldwide. On February 14, 2022, a company in Southern Taiwan reported a cluster of three COVID-19 cases. To continue the business operation while limiting the risk of COVID-19 outbreak, a “work bubbles” strategy was implemented. Workers of different bubbles were strictly separated in time and space and received regular COVID-19 testing. Besides, personal hygiene and other preventive measures, including environmental cleaning and vaccination, were also intensely practiced. As of March 1, 2022, no more COVID-19 cases were identified in the company, with business operations uninterrupted. This report could be a reference for companies to deal with future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.