A Stepwise Approach to Inbound Passenger Management at a COVID-19 Temporary Medical Observation Site

Yongfang Zhang; Di Wang; Weiqun Liu; Yin Zhang; Lina Zhou; Hanhuan Yuan; Jiaming Yao; Ming Li

doi:10.2147/RMHP.S316520

A Stepwise Approach to Inbound Passenger Management at a COVID-19 Temporary Medical Observation Site

Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2021 Aug 26:14:3589-3596. doi: 10.2147/RMHP.S316520. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Yongfang Zhang^#¹, Di Wang^#², Weiqun Liu¹, Yin Zhang³, Lina Zhou⁴, Hanhuan Yuan⁵, Jiaming Yao⁶, Ming Li⁷

Affiliations

¹ Department of Nursing, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
² Department of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
³ The Party and Government Office, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
⁴ Department of Publicity, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
⁵ Infectious Disease Control and Disinfection Management Section, Shanghai Pudong New Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University Pudong Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
⁶ Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA.
⁷ Dean's Office, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

^# Contributed equally.

Abstract

Objective: To implement epidemic prevention among entry personnel, Shanghai has launched a number of Medical Observation Sites (Observation Site) for which high expectations are set. Ours is one such Observation Site.

Methods: As part of a novel project, we did not have any previous experience to use as reference. Despite some challenges, we achieved satisfactory outcomes by establishing a stepwise approach to inbound passenger management, including the division of the working area of the Observation Site, dynamic management of the rooms, closed-loop management of the isolated personnel.

Results: As of May 14, 2020, a total of 42 Observation Sites were operational in Pudong New Area. The following are the detailed descriptions of our Temporary Medical Observation Site set up and work flow.

Conclusion: Early screening of inbound passengers as well as prompt and dynamic management of information about passengers' close contacts play an active role in preventing an influx of cases. As a pilot program, we have a model that is effective despite some limitations.

Keywords: COVID-19; airport; observation; pandemic; room; screening.

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the Pudong New Area Science and Technology Committee (PKJ2019-Y38).