KCDC Risk Assessments on the Initial Phase of theCOVID-19 Outbreak in Korea
10.24171/j.phrp.2020.11.2.02
- Author:
Inho KIM
1
;
Jia LEE
;
Jihee LEE
;
Eensuk SHIN
;
Chaeshin CHU
;
Seon Kui LEE
Author Information
1. Division of Risk Assessment and International Cooperation, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2020;11(2):67-73
- CountryRepublic of Korea
-
Abstract:
Objectives:This study aims to evaluate the risk assessments of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in the KoreaCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), from the point of detection to the provision of basicinformation to the relevant public health authorities.
Methods:To estimate the overall risk of specific public health events, probability, and impact at thecountry-level were evaluated using available information. To determine the probability of particularpublic health events, the risk of importation and risk of transmission were taken into consideration.KCDC used 5 levels (“very low,” “low,” “moderate,” “high,” and “very high”) for each category and overallrisk was eventually decided.
Results:A total of 8 risk assessments were performed on 8 separate occasions between January 8th toFebruary 28th, 2020, depending on the detection and report of COVID-19 cases in other countries. Theoverall risk of the situation in each assessment increased in severity over this period: “low” (first),“moderate” (second), “high” (third), “high” (fourth), “high” (fifth), “high” (sixth), “high” (seventh), and“very high” (eighth).
Conclusion:The KCDC’s 8 risk assessments were utilized to activate national emergency responsemechanisms and eventually prepare for the pandemic to ensure the containment and mitigation ofCOVID-19 with non-pharmaceutical public health measures.
