Management of ill travellers at Points of Entry (international airports, seaports, and ground crossings) in the context of COVID-19, Interim guidance 19 March 2020

Abstract

Background: Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), the public health authorities at points of entry—international ports, airports, and ground crossings—are required to establish effective contingency plans and arrangements for responding a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and to communicate with the National IHR Focal Point on relevant public health measures. The current COVID-19 outbreak has spread across several borders, which has prompted the demand for the detection and management of suspected cases at points of entry. This document provides advice on the detection and management of ill travellers suspected to have COVID-19 at points of entry and on conveyances of all types, with the following measures to be implemented based on country priorities and capacities: 1. Detection of ill travelers at international points of entry. 2. Interview of ill travellers 3. Reporting of alerts of ill travellers with suspected COVID-19. 4. Isolation, initial case management, and referral of ill travellers with suspected COVID 19. This interim guidance is intended for National IHR Focal Points, public health authorities and operators at points of entry, conveyance operators, and other stakeholders. WHO will update these recommendations as new information becomes available.