Investigation of The First Community Cluster of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Infection in Taiwan, 2021

Investigation of The First Community Cluster of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Infection in Taiwan, 2021

On June 22, 2021, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control received a notification of an indigenous case of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) who is a gypsy cab driver in Pingtung County. After investigating the social network of the driver, a passenger was suspected to be the source of infection. Further investigation revealed that the original source of infection might be a person returning from abroad and in home quarantine. There were 17 confirmed cases in this cluster infection, including 2 imported cases and 15 domestics cases. Genetic sequencing revealed SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants in 15 cases and failed sequencing in two cases. Because the Delta variant was highly transmissible, the central government cooperated with the local government to prevent the spread of the Delta variant by identifying contacts and quarantining the close contacts in quarantine facilities or special wards. Laboratory screening stations were set up in hospitals and the surrounding areas of confirmed cases' residencies. A total of more than 17,000 people were screened and no more cases were found as of July 10, proving that the cluster infection was under control, and the Delta variant was successfully prevented from spreading. Due to this cluster infection, the government revised quarantine strategy that all inbound travelers should stay in group quarantine facilities or quarantine hotels to prevent viruses from entering the community.