Concerns about public health when resuming overseas travel

 Concerns about public health when resuming overseas travel

1. EXAMPLE OF INTRODUCTION

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have halted some or all foreign travel, but are currently planning to resume it. When planning or implementing the phased return to international travel operations, this publication explains essential issues for national health authorities.

The decision-making process should be multi-sectoral, ensuring coordination of actions implemented by national and international transportation authorities, as well as other relevant sectors, and aligning with overarching national strategies for public health and social measures.

A detailed risk assessment should be used to gradually reduce travel restrictions (or temporary limitations).

taking into account the country's environment, local epidemiology and transmission patterns, national health and social measures to contain the outbreak, and the health systems' capacities in both the departure and destination countries, especially at entry points Any subsequent measure must be appropriate to the risks to public health and should be changed based on a risk assessment.

2. OBJECTIVE

The goal of this document is to provide governments, WHO Member State health authorities and other relevant stakeholders with elements to consider when adjusting international travel measures to the changing epidemiological situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, national public health and health service capacity, and evolving understanding of the virus.

3. FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR RESUMING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Essential travel for emergencies, humanitarian actions (including emergency medical flights and medical evacuation), and travel of essential personnel (including emergency responders and providers of public health technical support) should be prioritized, according to WHO.important employees in the transportation sector, such as seafarers[5] and diplomats), and repatriation. Essential medical, food and energy supplies should also be prioritized for cargo shipment. Sick and vulnerable travelers, such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases or underlying health issues, should postpone or avoid international travel to and from places where community transmission exists.

When it comes to the potential importation or exportation of cases in the context of foreign travel, there is no such thing as "zero risks." As a result, detailed and ongoing risk assessment and management will aid in identifying, reducing, and mitigating such risks, while balancing the socio-economic repercussions of travel limitations (or temporary bans) against the potential for negative public health consequences.

The decision-making process should include a situation analysis that takes into account the local environment in both the departure and destination nations.

The epidemiological status and transmission patterns in the countries of origin and destination

No cases: Countries/territories/areas where no cases have been reported.

Sporadic cases: Countries/territories/areas with one or more instances that have been imported or detected locally.

Clusters: Countries/territories/areas where cases have occurred, which are linked by time, geography, and/or common exposures.

Community transmission: Countries/areas/territories have larger outbreaks of local transmission, as determined by a variety of characteristics such as,

Intersectional capability and public health

The capability of public health and health services, as well as other relevant sectors, is used to assess the risk that imported cases provide to the national response to the pandemic.

1) Is the outbreak under control?

2) Is the public health surveillance system capable of detecting cases and contacts, as well as detecting any recurrence of cases, especially among travelers?

3) Is the healthcare system prepared to deal with a COVID-19 resurgence?

4. Planning and coordination

For the efficient implementation of public health interventions, collaboration across sectors is required. While the transportation sector is critical to travel operations, other sectors such as trade, agriculture, tourism, and security must also be involved in order to capture all of the operational factors connected with the gradual return of international travel.

 Capacity for surveillance and case management

The efficient management of the COVID-19 pandemic requires active epidemiological surveillance for case detection, patient isolation, contact identification,

Community involvement and risk communication

It is critical to proactively communicate with the public via traditional media, social media, and other channels about the rationale for gradually resuming international travel, the potential risk of travel, and the steps necessary to assure everyone's safety.