Factors preventing nosocomial outbreak following a single case of COVID-19 diagnosed during hospitalization: A retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE: Our hospital experienced a hospital shutdown and quarantine for two weeks after one case of COVID-19 was diagnosed during hospitalization. We analyzed the reopening process following hospital closure and possible factors that prevented hospital spread. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the confirmed patient's medical records and results of epidemiological survey available from the infection control team of our hospital. RESULTS: A total of 117 hospital staff members were tested, 26 of whom were self-isolated. Of the 54 inpatients tested, 28 on the same floor and two close contacts in the endoscopic room were quarantined in a single room. Finally, all quarantined hospital staff, inpatients and outpatients were tested for COVID-19 on the 14th day of close contact. The results were all negative, and the hospital work completely resumed. CONCLUSION: Although closing and isolating the hospital appeared to have played a useful role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 inside the hospital and to the local community, it is still debated whether or not the duration of hospital closure or quarantine was appropriate. The lessons from the two-week hospital closure suggest that wearing a mask, hand hygiene and the ward environment are important factors in preventing nosocomial outbreaks of COVID-19.