Air transport of asymptomatic passengers from the COVID-19 affected area in Wuhan, China to Bogota DC, Colombia February 2020. "A country experience".
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33610/01229907.2021v3n3a3Keywords:
COVID-19, ColombiaAbstract
Background: COVID-19 is considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as of January 30, 2020. Due to the evolution of the epidemic in Wuhan and the need to protect nationals living in China, Colombia is repatriating them on a humanitarian flight under strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction of the virus into the country.
Objective: describe the preparation, transfer and disembarkation of Colombian nationals for risk prevention and control during the transport of asymptomatic Colombian passengers for COVID19 from Wuhan to Colombia in February 2020.
Materials and Methods: preparation of a comprehensive work plan that considered biological risk and clinical events; selection of personnel and aircraft; internal cabin configuration; risk management during transport (screening and control), welfare and safety conditions inside the aircraft and protocol for disembarkation and transport to the final quarantine site.
Results: delimitation of risk areas in the cabin for the location of the crew and passengers, transfer of 25 passengers: 17 Colombians, 3 Mexicans and 5 Spaniards; adequate execution of safety protocols by the flight, medical and passenger crews. The aircraft was adapted as planned, there were no incidents during the flight, the "emergency" protocol was activated upon descent; comfort, biosafety and flight safety were maintained in all phases of the flight. Conclusion: The transportation of asymptomatic nationals was carried out, guaranteeing their wellbeing, safety and biosecurity and that of the medical and flight crew that carried out the "Return Home" mission.
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