Entry Screening at Airport as a COVID-۱۹ Surveillance Tool: Evaluation of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India

Introduction: As part of coronavirus disease ۲۰۱۹ (COVID-۱۹) control strategies, entry screening was established at International airports. An assessment of the screening system will inform decision-making for improving entry screening for infectious diseases. Methods: Assessment of entry screening at Thiruvananthapuram international airport done during pre and post-lockdown phases. Observation, interviews, and secondary data analysis were the methods employed. The number of passengers screened, their symptom profile, the yield of screening, actions taken, staff pattern, perceptions, training, and infection control practices assessed. Chi-square test and t test were used for testing significance. Results: Out of the ۴۶۱۳۹ passengers screened pre-lockdown, ۲۹۷ (۰.۶۴%) had symptoms, ۲۳ (۰.۰۵%) were positive in thermal screening. Six (۲%) among them tested positive for COVID-۱۹. Out of the ۴۴ ۲۶۳ passengers screened post lockdown, from May to July ۲۰۲۰, ۶۷۱ (۱.۵%) were symptomatic, and ۱۲ (۰.۰۳%) were positive in thermal screening. COVID-۱۹ was confirmed in ۴۵ (۶.۷ %) patients identified through the screening. With the surge in cases, the proportion of passengers opting for institutional quarantine increased significantly (P < ۰.۰۰۱). None of the staff contracted the disease. Infection control practices followed by them were optimal. Conclusion: Though the yield of thermal and symptom screening is low, entry screening is an opportunity to identify travelers at risk of COVID-۱۹ infection. In addition, it helps in raising awareness to ensure quarantine and guides public health authorities in preventing disease spread to the community.

Keywords:

Airport entry screening , COVID-۱۹ surveillance , Infection Control , health practices