How Were Medical Professionals Involved in Local Government Efforts to Respond to COVID-19? Efforts in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, from the Perspective of a Public Health Center Director

Abstract

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Sumida Ward introduced the Incident Command System (ICS) and strengthened public health center (PHC) operations. As a concrete result, we opened a "COVID-19 Mental Consultation Desk" and "Post COVID-19 condition Consultation Desk" and expanded its testing system, including its own laboratory. We have dedicated hospital beds and set up temporary medical facilities. We provided 24-h home-visit care to patients receiving home care. We developed human resources and improved operations at the PHC by introducing ICS to Sumida Ward. We have demonstrated that ICS is a useful coordination system for the continuity of PHC activities.