How to respond when COVID-19 invades a children’s hospital: lessons from Asan Medical Centre in Korea

Abstract

Objective: Since December 2019, we have been experiencing a COVID-19 pandemic, and local community infections in Korea are on the rise. In particular, places where large numbers of people gather are prone to COVID-19 infections; therefore, how we confront COVID-19 is important in those places such as hospitals, schools, and gyms. This study aimed to share lessons from the experience of COVID-19 in the paediatric ward of Asan Medical Centre. Methods: We used epidemiologic data and contract tracing data to investigate the coping process in Asan Medical Center. Results: A paediatric patient with confirmed COVID-19 was hospitalized, and the patient and her guardians were placed under cohort quarantine. Subsequently, another guardian in the hospital diagnosed with COVID-19, and as the quarantine lengthened, people complained. Those under quarantine were released without additional spread. Conclusions: Confirmed cases in paediatric wards have distinct characteristic, and should be handled with caution.