Purpose_x000D_
The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate the preparedness and response mechanisms to a public health event at a major point of entry, specifically Paro International Airport._x000D_
Scope_x000D_
The simulation Exercise focused on a public health emergency response at a major point of entry, in this case, Paro International Airport. Participants were presented with challenges focused on an imported case of an infectious disease, in this case a disease similar to SARS. _x000D_
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The exercise tested agreed alert systems and information protocols concerning a potential public health event. The exercise included appropriate local, national and international notifications at the Ministry of Health as well as other relevant ministries (e.g. immigration, BAFRA, Custom, air transport authority, Animal Health). Participants utilised existing plans, protocols and standard operating procedures and linkages to the Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOC)._x000D_
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The roles and responsibilities of Ministry of Health, Customs, security, Immigration and Airport Health Office were examined and key response mechanisms such as communication, coordination, risk assessment and decision-making were included._x000D_
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Objectives _x000D_
1) Reinforce roles and responsibilities at Paro International Airport when responding to a public health emergency_x000D_
2) To identify gaps and areas for improvement in public health emergency response mechanisms at points of entry._x000D_
3) Practice using the existing mechanisms involved in communicating and coordinating a public health response at both the national and local level. _x000D_
4) To evaluate the effectiveness of communication between national level PHEOC’s and points of entry._x000D_
5) To practice the use of PPE and other barrier techniques,_x000D_
6) Test elements of the Standard Operating Procedures in place at Paro International Airport and Paro Hospital_x000D_