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

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^*

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.

Keywords：Coronavirus disease-2019, business continuity plan, work bubbles

week 18–week 19, 2023 (Apr. 30, 2023–May. 13, 2023)

Epidemic Intelligence Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

2023 Vol.39 No.10