Rapid response to a COVID-19 outbreak at a nightclub in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan, in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, June and July 2020: A descriptive epidemiological study.

Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, nightclubs were identified as high-risk locations for COVID-19 outbreaks, but an outbreak investigation in this setting is challenging because of the anonymous and opportunistic nature of interactions.

Methods: The joint rapid response team collected epidemiological data, conducted descriptive epidemiology to determine the characteristics of cases associated with the nightclub, and implemented countermeasures. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed by the Local Institute of Public Health, Kagoshima University, and several commercial laboratories.