Targeted Antivirus Prophylaxis (TAP) Using ICT in a Gymnasium During a Pandemic

Targeted antivirus prophylaxis (TAP) is a policy that involves the distribution of free antiviral drugs to citizens in advance of a pandemic outbreak. TAP also involves the use of gymnasiums and public halls as temporary accommodation facilities in the case of a shortage of medical institutions. Therefore, we conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the actual situation of information and communications technology support for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan. The results suggest that a system capable of providing two-way online video consultations at a gymnasium could be effective for providing nationwide TAP to citizens unfamiliar with PCs and smartphone apps. This approach could help improve drug distribution to large segments of the population while minimizing exposure to infectious agents.