Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and personal protective equipment guidelines March 04 2020

With increasing numbers of cases of COVID-19 virus identified globally and in the United States, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are releasing guidelines on screening, personal protective equipment and caring for patients with the novel coronavirus (see below).

In addition to COVID-19, we are still in the midst of cold and flu season. We recommend the following general guidance for all healthcare employees and the general public:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands when visibly soiled.
  • Wash hands prior to touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • When in contact with those who are sick, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment

The CDC and WHO are reporting increased demand and plans for surge manufacturing globally to prevent supply shortages.

StethoBarrier is not currently experiencing supply shortages for any of our disposable stethoscope covers. We will update our news section should this change.

Links to resources on the COVID-19 outbreak from credible sources are accessible below:

CDC Healthcare Supply of Personal Protective Equipment

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/healthcare-supply-ppe.html

CDC Healthcare personnel guidelines for caring for patients with COVID-19

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/caring-for-patients.html

WHO site on the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Photo credit: 

CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library (PHIL), identification number #23312. 

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).