Experience of a COVID-19 outbreak response in a general hospital in Gyeonggi Province, Korea

Abstract

Objectives: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related to general hospitals has a higher risk because the outbreak not only overburdens the regional health care delivery system but also increases the possibility of community transmission. This study shares the experience of the COVID-19 outbreak response in a general hospital in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.Methods: Since the first COVID-19 confirmed case was recognized in Hospital A on March 29, 2019, the Immediate Response Team (IRT) of Gyeonggi-do and Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) came up with a plan to conduct an epidemiological investigation and minimize the paralysis of hospital functions. Apart from the epidemiological investigation, a risk assessment of the hospital and management of contacts, including patients and workers, were also undertaken.Results: A total of 72 confirmed cases were identified, including 26 hospitalized patients, 16 healthcare personnel, seven visitors, and 22 cases identified externally. The majority of the confirmed cases were exposed at or were related to the ward B (54.16% of 72 cases). Among healthcare personnel, caregivers were found to be the most vulnerable to COVID-19 in this outbreak. Conclusion:Preparation for all possible situations in medical facilities is important because it is difficult to find alternative resources. The findings of this study not only provide information on controlling the further transmission of COVID-19, but also provide evidence of the importance of ordinary management skills required to be prepared for COVID-19.

Effect of changes in the hearing aid subsidy on the prevalence of hearing loss in South Korea

“…The number of patients with hearing loss increased substantially from 2010 to 2019 before dropping in 2020. This was likely due to lockdown restrictions, social distancing policies, and an overloaded medical system due to the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic ( 17 , 18 ).…”

Vaccine effectiveness and the epidemiological characteristics of a COVID-19 outbreak in a tertiary hospital in Republic of Korea

“…The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that they had a higher RR than other contact status groups. In addition, caregivers do not receive regular education on infection prevention and control [ 18 ]. Their insufficient knowledge of infection management and personal hygiene rules makes them more vulnerable to infection than other healthcare professionals [ 19 ].…”

COVID-19 outbreak response at a nursing hospital in South Korea in the post-vaccination era, including an estimation of the effectiveness of the first shot of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (ChAdOx1-S)

“…Considering the high number of long-term and bedridden patients in most nursing hospitals, we speculate that the outbreak originated from a staff member or visitor who could move around freely. However, even if the disease was introduced through another route, the staff were likely to have played a key role in the transmission of the disease (e.g., through contact with caregivers or healthcare providers) [ 22 ]. Therefore, our results suggest that it is necessary to encourage vaccination among staff.…”