Closing the preparedness-response gap in time: Operational readiness at points of entry in Europe

Abstract Background As points of entry (POE) - ports, airports and ground-crossings are important structures for international travel trade, their timely activated capacity to respond infectious disease threats is utmost importance. How can POE adjust from generic preparedness specific response? Methods We developed a conceptual framework public health response at POE, based on military used model, leading step-wise approach response. Subsequently, our has been analyze interview data professionals working European ports (n = 12), 15) 4) in 11 countries June August 2020 covering the activation COVID-19. Results By integrating we learned that frameworks pre-defined time expected activate required missing. While combining with creates possibility defining readiness range different requirements. E.g. information provision passengers arranged within hours, while entry-screening may take up days be operational. hypothesized this provides opportunity split strategic thinking operational readiness, support proactive thinking. The interviews confirmed very implicit non-formalized reference needed differed highly as regards or reactive strategies. A much stated problem was fast often changing strategies measures, extreme flexibility workload operations. Conclusions Explicitly acknowledging appropriate during transition contribute better definition consequences readiness. These findings also added value other area than POE.