Effective Response to a Regional Outbreak of COVID-19: Experience of a Tertiary Emergency Center

This study shows how an emergency department adapted during a COVID-19 surge by adding pretriage screening clinics and expanding quarantine areas. The pretriage system diverted many low-risk patients and identified infected cases before entry, reducing exposure and preventing repeated ED closures. As shown in patient flow changes (Figure 3), about half of patients were screened before entering the ED after the new protocol. Expanding preemptive quarantine space increased capacity to treat febrile and respiratory patients and lowered mortality compared to standard isolation areas. Overall, separating screening and care areas helped manage surge demand while maintaining normal emergency services.