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COVID-19: Key Elements for Optimal Protection of Healthcare Workers
Recommendations for the optimal protection of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic are based on a review of the published experience.
In December 2019 a new outbreak of acute respiratory disease emerged in China.1The causing pathogen was identified to be of the coronavirus family and named as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). 2
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a pandemic. According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, there are now more than a million cases and almost 60,00 deaths worldwide. 3The numbers are changing rapidly, so be sure to consult the Resource Center for updates.
In the face of all the uncertainties regarding the treatment, vaccine, and presenting symptoms, person to person transmission through droplets or contact was confirmed, which sets the frontline healthcare workers at high risk of acquiring the disease. 2
Identifying the Reasons
The drastic increases in caseloads along with the buildup of misinformation and anxiety have resulted in intense pressure on healthcare systems. 4Healthcare workers are more vulnerable to be infected while combating the disease and…
