<![CDATA[ABSTRAK Background: Workplace transmission can contribute to the emergence and amplification of COVID-19 clusters, particularly when infected individuals are asymptomatic and remain undetected. Epidemiological investigation is therefore essential for early case detection and interruption of transmission. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological investigation of a COVID-19 cluster among government employees in Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, Indonesia.Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological investigation was conducted in September 2020 among employees of the Regional Secretariat and the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Musi Banyuasin Regency. A total of 156 employees were screened through interviews and epidemiological assessment. Rapid antigen and IgG/IgM antibody testing were performed according to the investigation findings. Individuals with positive or reactive screening results subsequently underwent nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal swab collection for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.Results: Of the 156 employees screened, 100 underwent rapid antigen testing and 68 underwent IgG/IgM antibody testing. Eight individuals were identified as positive or reactive during screening and subsequently underwent PCR testing. Seven of the eight specimens (87.5%) were confirmed positive for COVID-19. All confirmed cases were employees of the Regional Secretariat or Bappeda and were asymptomatic at the time of investigation. Epidemiological investigation and contact tracing indicated transmission within the workplace cluster. The initial exposure was suspected to be associated with contact with an individual who had a history of travel to an affected area..Conclusion: The investigation identified asymptomatic COVID-19 transmission within a government workplace cluster in Musi Banyuasin Regency. Strengthening active surveillance, early case detection, timely laboratory confirmation, contact tracing, isolation, and adherence to workplace health protocols is essential to prevent further transmission.]]>
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