We report an imported case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant P.1 detected in an asymptomatic traveler who arrived in Italy on an indirect flight from Brazil. This case shows the risk for introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants from indirect flights and the need for continued SARS-CoV-2 surveillance.

The use of robotics is becoming widespread in healthcare. However, little is known about how robotics can affect the relationship with patients in epidemic emergency response or how it impacts clinicians in their organization and work. As a hospital responding to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic “ASST dei Sette Laghi” (A7L) in Varese, Italy, had to react quickly to protect its staff from infection while coping with high budgetary pressure as prices of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) increased rapidly. In response, it introduced six semi-autonomous robots to mediate interactions between staff and patients. Thanks to the cooperation of multiple departments, A7L implemented the solution in less than 10 weeks. It reduced risks to staff and outlay for PPE. However, the characteristics of the robots affected their perception by healthcare staff. This case study reviews critical issues faced by A7L in introducing these devices and recommendations for the path forward.

A933system for logistic control of medicines of the Brazilian National STD/Aids Program. Despite its administrative nature, this system contains specific information about antiretroviral dispensation providing a unique data source for adherence assessment. This study aimed to assess HAART adherence among patients followed up in a public outpatient facility located in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, using pharmacy refill data obtained from SICLOM. Methods: All patients that initiated HAART in 2011 were included and followed up until December 2013. Data about dispensed medicines, including amounts and dates, and demographic data was obtained from SICLOM. Therapy adherence was estimated using the medication possession ratio (MPR) calculated as the ratio between the number of days covered by a refill and treatment duration in days. The number of days without medication (gaps) was also calculated. Results: The analysis included 82 patients. The average age was 36.2 ±10.1 years old and 85.4% were male. Most of the patients (65.9%) were followed up at public facilities. The medians of the gaps and MPR were 66.5 days (28.75-130) and 94.6% (87.9-97.4) respectively. MPR was lower than 95% for 54.9% of the patients. ConClusions: According to the World Health Organization, HIV patients should take more than 95% of antiretroviral prescribed doses. However, the fact that 54.9% of the patients presented a MPR lower than 95% suggests a high prevalence of HAART non-adherence. SICLOM showed to be a powerful data source for adherence studies that could provide useful information in order to improve HAART effectiveness.

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