Implementing the Work Bubbles Strategy During a COVID 19 Outbreak in a Company, Taiwan, 2022

Implementing the Work Bubbles Strategy During a COVID 19 Outbreak in a Company, Taiwan, 2022

In December 2019, an atypical pneumonia outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2) occurred in Wuhan, China and was later named as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) by the World Health Organization. The COVID 19 pandemic impacted not only human health but also the economy worldwide. On February 14, 2022, a company in Southern Taiwan reported a cluster of three COVID 19 cases. To continue the business operation while limiting the risk of COVID 19 outbreak, a “work bubbles” strategy was implemented. Workers of different bubbles were strictly separated in time and space and received regular COVID 19 testing. Besides, personal hygiene and other preventive measures, including environmental cleaning and vaccination, were also intensely practiced. As of March 1, 2022, no more COVID 19 cases were identified in the company, with business operations uninterrupted. This report could be a reference for companies to deal with future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.