May 12, 2020

Identification and Monitoring of International Travelers During the Initial Phase of an Outbreak of COVID-19 — California, February 3–March 17, 2020

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

• Between early February and mid–March 2020 almost 12,000 passengers from selected countries were screened upon entry to the US and monitored by local health jurisdictions in California. Of these, 3 travelers were matched to COVID-19 patients reported to the state by April 15th, out of over 25,000 cases overall. This effort was found to be labor-intensive and its utility limited by incomplete information and asymptomatic transmission. These efforts have diverted resources needed for implementing other non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19.  

Myers et al. (May 11, 2020). Identification and Monitoring of International Travelers During the Initial Phase of an Outbreak of COVID-19 — California, February 3–March 17, 2020. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6919e4