Novel Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Plan- fbg-2

When any international traveler in transit is among the identified contacts, the national authorities
should determine the least disruptive and most acceptable way to secure the follow up of the contact.
Continuation of international travel to the final destination should be preceded by communication to
national health authorities in the relevant country by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the
designate in the Ministry of Health.
When the Ministry of Health is informed by their counterparts in other countries, directly or through
PAHO/WHO, about the arrival in their jurisdiction of a contact of a COVID-19 case, responsibility for
the monitoring of the individual for 14 days after the date of last exposure to COVID-19 will be
assigned to the Surveillance Unit or healthcare providers responsible for that catchment area in the
Ministry of Health.
If a case of COVID-19, is diagnosed subsequent to the arrival and departure of the aircraft, then
consideration needs to be given to the lapse in time between the flight event and the incubation
period. The incubation period of COVID-19 is 2-10 days (accepted as 14 days). In order to find
potential cases, tracing passengers should only be considered if the flight took place within the
previous 14 days. Outside this time, a message to raise awareness among doctors and public health
professionals should be considered.
Contact tracing health care workers
Both health personnel involved in the direct care of a patient under investigation for COVID-19 or of
a confirmed case of COVID-19, as well as laboratory personnel, must be considered as a contact in
the event of unprotected exposure to potentially infectious body fluids or through sharps injury and
monitored for 14 days after the opportunity for exposure to contaminated material.
Management of Contacts of Suspected and Probable Cases
• Provide reassurance
• Record name and contact details
• Provide advice that in the event of fever or respiratory symptoms, to immediately report to
doctor/physician/health authority
• Do not report to work until advised by health authority
• Avoid public places until advised by health authority
• Minimize contact with family members and friends
• Implement the following Hospital Infection Control Measures
Care for Patients with Probable COVID-19: Health Care Setting Infection Control Measures 8
All health care facilities should have a preparedness and response plan which outlines infection
prevention and control advice for healthcare providers assessing possible cases of COVID-19.
WHO advises strict adherence with the barrier nursing of patients with COVID-19 using precautions
of airborne, droplet, and contact transmission.
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Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection when Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection is
suspected: Interim Guidance
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