Preventive measures against the spread of nosocomial COVID-19 infection: a report of experiences in an obstetric facility at a regional hospital in Japan

Abstract

We describe the emergency measures taken in response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in an obstetrics ward in Japan. In April 2020, two midwives in our obstetric ward were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We immediately closed the ward and performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for 25 patients and 42 staff members who had possible contact with the midwives. Pregnant women at or near term were referred to nearby obstetric facilities. One patient, who delivered before the midwives were diagnosed, and her neonate tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. All other tested patients and staff had negative PCR test results. In total, 14 pregnant women at term and 15 at 34–36 weeks gestation were referred to other facilities. Of these, 13 delivered in transfer destinations and 16 delivered in our hospital after a 14-day temporary closure of the ward. Our prompt measures successfully prevented the nosocomial spread of coronavirus disease.