Management of contacts
People who may have been exposed to individuals with suspected COVID-19 (including healthcare workers)
should be advised to monitor their health for 14 days from the last day of possible contact, and seek
immediate medical attention if they develop any symptoms, particularly fever, respiratory symptoms such
as coughing or shortness of breath, or diarrhoea.[66]Some people may be put into voluntary or compulsory
quarantine depending on the guidance from local health authorities.
Screening of travellers
Exit and entry screening may be recommended in some countries, particulary when repatriating nationals
from affected areas. Travellers returning from affected areas should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days
and follow local protocols of the receiving country. Some countries may require returning travellers to
enter quarantine. Travellers who develop symptoms are advised to contact their local health care provider,
preferably by phone.[67]
Secondary prevention
Early recognition of new cases is the cornerstone of prevention of transmission. Immediately isolate all
suspected and confirmed cases and implement recommended infection prevention and control procedures
according to local protocols, including standard precautions at all times, and contact, droplet, and airborne
precautions while the patient is symptomatic.[50] Report all suspected and confirmed cases to your local
health authorities.
Detailed guidance on infection prevention and control measures are available from the World Health
Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• [WHO: infection prevention and control during health care when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is
suspected]
• [CDC: interim infection prevention and control recommendations for patients with confirmed 2019
novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or persons under investigation for 2019-nCoV in healthcare