THE MEASURES AND DURATION EMPLOYED TO CONTROL THE OUTBREAK OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) IN A PRISON IN NORTHEASTERN THAILAND

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak began in January 2020 in Wuhan, China, spreading globally. Each country implemented disease control measures following the guidelines of the World Health Organization. Prisons, as unique environments, face challenges in disease control post-outbreak, often requiring considerable time. The prison under study experienced a COVID-19 outbreak at the end of 2021.
Objective: To investigate the measures and duration for controlling the spread of the COVID-19 within the constraints of capacity and spatial limitations in prisons located in the northeastern region of Thailand.
Methods: This study is descriptive, collecting data on events during the outbreak period, including information on pre-outbreak measures and those implemented during the outbreak for control purposes in the studied prison. Data have been collected from September to October 2021, incorporating information from within the prison, healthcare facilities, and various meetings during the period.
Results: COVID-19 control measures were adjusted based on contextual and situational factors. During the outbreak, interventions included a 14-day mandatory quarantine, dual rt PCR testing before entry, and the establishment of an external field hospital with a provincial medical team. Segregated sleeping zones and the involvement of inmate volunteers aided in patient care. Screening involved ATK and rt PCR tests, identifying 1,954 cases. Treatment outcomes revealed one fatality, weighing 102 kg, with no vaccination history. This individual, with low blood oxygen levels, was transferred to the hospital but succumbed after 10 days. All remaining cases recovered normally. The entire outbreak spanned 22 days, with comprehensive surveillance concluding in 36 days.
Conclusions: The disease control and monitoring spanned a total of 36 days, employing a step-by-step approach based on the contextual factors of the area, the workforce, available resources, and events transpiring during that period. There were no severe incidents during this time, except for one fatality, who was later transferred to a hospital for treatment. This approach can be adapted for similar situations with comparable circumstances and contexts.