Objective   To explore operation condition of pre-examination/triage desks and fever clinics in medical institutions during early stage of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Guangzhou city of Guangdong province and to provide references for standardized setting, management and infection control in the operation of pre-examination/triage desk and fever clinic.

  Methods  We carried field study and questionnaire survey on the operation of all pre-examination/triage desks and 40 fever clinics in 46 medical institutions selected with stratified sampling in 11 districts of Guangzhou city from January 25 to February 28, 2020 – the early period of COVID-19 epidemic. The assessment on operation condition of the pre-examination/triage desks and fever clinics was performed based on relevant management regulations and technical specifications issued by national health administrations.

  Results  The overall qualification rate for the operation condition of the pre-examination/triage desks and fever clinics was 78.26% (36/46). Among the pre-examination/triage desks surveyed, the qualification rates were relatively low for adequate medical personnel (73.91%, 34/46), most suitable allocation to reduce the probability of cross-infection (76.09%, 35/46), and most suitable allocation to facilitate attendees′ visits (78.26%, 36/46). For the fever clinics surveyed, the qualification rates were relatively low for separating an attendee from visitors of other departments during whole process of medication-seeking (37.50%, 15/40), sufficient natural/forced ventilation (55.00%, 22/40), setting-up of a spare consulting room (57.50%, 23/40), setting-up of contaminated/semi-contaminated/clean zones with clear boundary (72.50%, 29/40), being allocated in a separated area with clear sign (72.50%, 29/40), and the establishment of both medical staff and patient passageway (75.00%, 30/40). For the reserved rooms for isolation and medical observation, the qualification rates were relatively low for good ventilation (55.00%, 22/40), sufficient number (72.50%, 29/40), and reserved single rooms with separated sanitary facilities for suspected cases (75.00%, 30/40). The shortage of personal protective equipment was reported by medical staff in 50.00% (23/46) of the medical institutions surveyed and much more medical staff in community health service centers reported the shortage (28.57%, 6/21).

  Conclusion  The establishment and management of pre-examination/triage desks and fever clinics in Guangzhou city were not met the requirements of national health administrations and posed a risk of cross-infection during early stage of COVID-19 epidemic. The situation needs to be improved..