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How to Safely Reopen Colleges and Universities During COVID-19: Experiences From Taiwan
Shao-Yi Cheng1, C Jason Wang2, April Chiung-Tao Shen3
1Health Center, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (S.C.).
Annals of Internal Medicine
|July 3, 2020
Summary
Taiwan
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Higher Education Administration
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for reopening educational institutions globally.
- Taiwan maintained normal school operations, offering a unique case study for pandemic management in higher education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline Taiwan's strategies for safely reopening colleges and universities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To analyze the effectiveness of implemented containment and mitigation measures.
Main Methods:
- Development and implementation of comprehensive guidelines by the Ministry of Education.
- Risk screening, health self-management, hygiene protocols, ventilation, and sanitization measures.
- Specific policies for class suspension, school closure, and case reporting.
Main Results:
- Taiwan reported a low number of COVID-19 cases in universities (7 cases in 6 institutions as of June 18, 2020).
- One university temporarily closed, utilized virtual classes, and reopened after 14 days of contact tracing and quarantine.
- The strategies proved effective in containing outbreaks and ensuring continued academic activities.
Conclusions:
- Taiwan's experience demonstrates that safely reopening higher education institutions during a pandemic is feasible.
- A combination of containment (e.g., contact tracing, quarantine) and mitigation (e.g., hygiene, ventilation) strategies is crucial for success.
