Summary of your 'study carrel' ============================== This is a summary of your Distant Reader 'study carrel'. The Distant Reader harvested & cached your content into a collection/corpus. It then applied sets of natural language processing and text mining against the collection. The results of this process was reduced to a database file -- a 'study carrel'. The study carrel can then be queried, thus bringing light specific characteristics for your collection. These characteristics can help you summarize the collection as well as enumerate things you might want to investigate more closely. This report is a terse narrative report, and when processing is complete you will be linked to a more complete narrative report. Eric Lease Morgan Number of items in the collection; 'How big is my corpus?' ---------------------------------------------------------- 77 Average length of all items measured in words; "More or less, how big is each item?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1259 Average readability score of all items (0 = difficult; 100 = easy) ------------------------------------------------------------------ 5 Top 50 statistically significant keywords; "What is my collection about?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 SARS 16 COVID-19 6 covid-19 4 patient 3 ICU 3 CDI 2 PPE 1 tweet 1 temperature 1 social 1 risk 1 respirator 1 hospital 1 hemodialysis 1 hand 1 glove 1 cycle 1 York 1 Wuhan 1 United 1 Twitter 1 Thailand 1 RSW 1 PCR 1 PAA 1 N95 1 March 1 MOHME 1 Korea 1 Kluger 1 Iran 1 IPC 1 IPAC 1 ICM 1 Hubei 1 Hangzhou 1 HME 1 Germany 1 EMD 1 Detroit 1 China 1 CMIA 1 Ball 1 April 1 ARI Top 50 lemmatized nouns; "What is discussed?" --------------------------------------------- 988 patient 512 infection 498 % 485 hospital 358 case 298 coronavirus 276 study 263 healthcare 263 day 255 transmission 249 test 231 period 231 control 213 disease 208 pandemic 197 risk 194 testing 193 time 189 use 187 care 168 symptom 166 outbreak 159 mask 158 author 156 virus 151 health 145 worker 142 support 137 result 133 system 133 community 132 exposure 130 measure 126 guideline 121 article 118 screening 116 room 116 hcw 115 contact 113 number 109 datum 106 staff 101 rate 100 website 99 pneumonia 98 respirator 98 prevention 94 epidemiology 94 date 93 area Top 50 proper nouns; "What are the names of persons or places?" -------------------------------------------------------------- 594 COVID-19 561 SARS 441 CoV-2 147 PPE 146 PCR 133 Health 127 China 114 N95 106 March 90 CDI 83 RT 74 Wuhan 70 sha 67 April 64 CT 61 HCWs 56 World 56 United 55 Organization 51 Control 50 February 49 PAA 47 nan 46 States 46 Fig 45 National 45 ICU 44 Prevention 43 HCW 43 ER 43 Disease 42 CDC 35 Korea 35 IQR 34 RSW 34 Coronavirus 33 May 33 IPC 32 al 31 et 30 US 29 Twitter 28 Editor 27 C. 26 Hospital 25 Singapore 25 Iran 23 South 23 CoV 23 . Top 50 personal pronouns nouns; "To whom are things referred?" ------------------------------------------------------------- 442 we 104 it 100 they 27 them 21 she 16 he 10 us 6 i 5 her 4 one 3 you 3 themselves 2 itself 1 yourself Top 50 lemmatized verbs; "What do things do?" --------------------------------------------- 2601 be 666 have 275 use 228 report 154 test 146 include 142 provide 122 identify 120 perform 116 confirm 106 increase 95 recommend 88 reduce 88 do 85 base 78 prevent 77 require 75 associate 74 admit 70 show 67 develop 64 infect 63 follow 61 detect 61 compare 60 need 60 implement 57 suspect 54 occur 54 consider 53 wear 53 support 52 relate 51 remain 50 hospitalize 49 receive 48 suggest 47 make 46 present 46 isolate 46 covid-19 44 give 41 find 40 define 39 regard 39 indicate 38 work 38 demonstrate 38 control 38 cause Top 50 lemmatized adjectives and adverbs; "How are things described?" --------------------------------------------------------------------- 281 covid-19 263 respiratory 239 not 227 positive 171 high 153 also 149 negative 131 other 127 asymptomatic 125 severe 123 clinical 120 financial 119 relevant 116 acute 108 however 102 novel 101 first 99 medical 93 low 90 patient 90 most 90 - 88 more 86 such 86 only 86 early 85 public 84 protective 82 antibiotic 79 social 79 large 78 nosocomial 75 viral 72 well 65 key 63 potential 63 as 60 personal 59 new 56 significant 55 infectious 53 further 48 single 48 prior 47 available 46 effective 45 universal 45 long 45 different 44 same Top 50 lemmatized superlative adjectives; "How are things described to the extreme?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 most 28 least 19 high 16 Most 9 good 8 large 3 late 3 early 2 short 2 low 1 great 1 fit 1 few 1 cord-340132-t77pab71 1 cord-259396-vmc2q1bi 1 N95s Top 50 lemmatized superlative adverbs; "How do things do to the extreme?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 60 most 9 least Top 50 Internet domains; "What Webbed places are alluded to in this corpus?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 doi.org 1 www.cdc.gov 1 salamat.gov.ir 1 github.com Top 50 URLs; "What is hyperlinked from this corpus?" ---------------------------------------------------- 1 http://www.cdc.gov/ 1 http://salamat.gov.ir/ 1 http://github.com/KlugerLab/RotationScheduler 1 http://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.406 1 http://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.337 1 http://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.228 1 http://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.167 1 http://doi.org/10.1017/ice Top 50 email addresses; "Who are you gonna call?" ------------------------------------------------- 1 rm000301@whu.edu.cn 1 jaygoldbergmd@yahoo.com Top 50 positive assertions; "What sentences are in the shape of noun-verb-noun?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 study has several 4 patients were not 3 masks following exposure 3 tests were negative 2 patients developed signs 2 patients requiring hospitalization 2 patients tested positive 2 patients were also 2 patients were hispanic 2 study was not 1 % had sars 1 % were african 1 % were aged 1 % were anesthetists 1 % were male 1 % were non 1 % were patient 1 % were resident 1 % were respiratory 1 % were strongly 1 % were technicians 1 % were unique 1 % were white 1 % were women 1 care including intensive 1 care is safer 1 care was routine 1 care were critical 1 case did not 1 case report covid-19-what 1 case report drive 1 case report medical 1 case report mers 1 cases are often 1 cases has sharply 1 cases is equally 1 cases using nasopharyngeal 1 cases were asymptomatic 1 cases were directly 1 cases were first 1 cases were locally 1 control included screening 1 cov-2 are crucial 1 cov-2 are highly 1 cov-2 did not 1 cov-2 has frequently 1 cov-2 has not 1 cov-2 is detectable 1 cov-2 is frequently 1 cov-2 is genetically Top 50 negative assertions; "What sentences are in the shape of noun-verb-no|not-noun?" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59 authors report no conflicts 1 authors have no conflicts 1 authors report no potential 1 infections were not available 1 pandemic has not yet 1 pandemic is not over 1 pandemics is not necessarily 1 patients were not initially 1 patients were not routinely 1 tests showed no off 1 transmission has not yet 1 use did not significantly A rudimentary bibliography -------------------------- id = cord-298693-x25r0gtt author = Advani, Sonali D. title = Are we forgetting the “universal” in universal masking? Current challenges and future solutions date = 2020-07-16 keywords = SARS summary = Overall, HCP compliance with protective measures such as universal masking often correlates with the level of risk they perceive. Earlier this year, public health authorities pointed out a lack of evidence related to the use of universal masking by the general public to prevent acquisition of SARS-CoV-2. Inconsistent, contradictory and unclear advice from public health authorities has contributed to widespread confusion about the utility of universal masking in preventing the spread of SARS-COV-2 (response efficacy). COVID-19 fatigue, a term that describes drift in following preventative measures as this pandemic goes on, is an important cause of poor compliance with policies related to universal masking. Finally, we need clear, simple, and consistent messaging from public health authorities for successful implementation of universal masking policies. Our goal should be to focus on the simple message of universal masking to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.333 id = cord-323596-dh7oh54z author = Advani, Sonali D. title = Assessing severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) preparedness in US community hospitals: A forgotten entity date = 2020-10-07 keywords = SARS; hospital summary = Several differences in hospital preparedness for SARS-CoV-2 emerged with respect to personal protective equipment conservation strategies, protocols related to testing, universal masking, and restarting elective procedures. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of SARS-CoV-2 preparedness among community hospitals in southeastern United States. The survey included 13 questions related to PPE availability, crisis capacity strategies to extend and reuse PPE, policies related to restarting surgeries, testing prior to elective surgery and prior to transfer to extended care facilities, universal masking, and daily screening of hospital staff. In addition, 80% of hospitals reported an adequate supply of N95 respirators, face shields, and googles, likely due to use of crisis capacity strategies to extend, reuse, and reprocess these PPE. We found several differences in community hospital preparedness for SARS-CoV-2 with respect to type of conservation strategies used to preserve PPE, protocols related to testing, masking, and restarting elective procedures. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1238 id = cord-331369-q7opbz7v author = Alharthy, Abdulrahman title = Configuring a hospital in the COVID-19 era by integrating crisis management logistics date = 2020-07-23 keywords = ICU summary = Our CMT policies, ICU configuration strategy, staff and resource utilization, admission protocols, and therapeutic guidelines have been reviewed continually based on new international updates, emerging therapies, and the recommendations of our national health authorities. Our CMT members have provided coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to arrange the ICU admission flow and the transfer of patients to other hospitals based on the daily MOH plan. The refinement of the respiratory and ICU care included changing the ventilator circuits and filters based on patient needs, avoiding nebulizers, creating specialized intubation and prone-positioning ventilation teams, and upgrading the oxygen supply system. 7 New hospital communication systems have been installed in the pop-up ICUs. The communication between frontline staff and the CMT is continuous. Moreover,~600 COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized in our ICU over the past 4 months. Continuous medical education of our staff about COVID-19 by our MOH could facilitate the management of future outbreaks. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.365 id = cord-286885-eih8a6ul author = Ali, Sheikh Muhammad Ebad title = One-house one-person testing: Strategical plan to limit COVID-19 spread in stage three in the developing world date = 2020-05-06 keywords = covid-19 summary = A strategy was proposed after the advent of a virus-specific molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test called "mass screening" that involved testing nasal and throat swabs from the random population to assess viral spread and to isolate those infected from the healthy population. I propose a method of screening that can be used in remote areas and developing nations during stage 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic; it is cost efficient and has a high probability of isolating asymptomatic cases. As reported in previous studies, COVID-19 spreads rapidly through droplets, and the probability of infection is increased if a person comes in contact with any infected patient. For example, India, with a population of 1.353 billion, cannot test each citizen, and there is a high probability of missing COVID-19 cases in random sampling, which might worsen the situation once lockdown is lifted. Transmission potential of asymptomatic and paucisymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections: a three-family cluster study in China Familial cluster of COVID-19 infection from an asymptomatic doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.200 id = cord-271146-levsbye2 author = Almuabbadi, Basel title = Novel transportation capsule technology could reduce the exposure risk to SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers: A feasibility study date = 2020-07-22 keywords = ICU summary = title: Novel transportation capsule technology could reduce the exposure risk to SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers: A feasibility study Also, 109 HCWs were employed for the transportation of COVID-19 patients: 39 physicians, 20 respiratory physiotherapists, 20 ICU nurses, and 30 paramedics (Fig. 1) . Moreover, all awake (ie, nonintubated) patients reported a high level of comfort during transportation. In conclusion, the insulated patient capsule has proven to be an efficient technology for the transportation of COVID-19 patients. Most importantly, none of our HCWs was infected in the transportation process. COVID-19: protecting health-care workers Escalating infection control response to the rapidly evolving epidemiology of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to SARS-CoV-2 in Hong Kong COVID-19 and the risk to healthcare workers: a case report No financial support was provided relevant to this article.Conflicts of interest. All authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.352 id = cord-281194-yafwcway author = Amir-Behghadami, Mehrdad title = Battle with COVID-19 in Iran: What lessons can be learned from the implementation of response strategies so far? date = 2020-05-13 keywords = COVID-19; MOHME summary = 2, 3 The global condition is evolving dynamically, and on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that COVID-19 is a "public-health emergency of international concern." During the coronavirus pandemic, the authorities of the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) reported the first cases of coronavirus on February 19, 2020 in Qom. 4 As of March 6, 2020, according to MOHME, 27,017 cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the country, 2,077 of whom have died and 9,625 of whom have recovered so far. For this reason, the first action after the media provided public education on COVID-19 disease was to establish a Corona National Antivirus Headquarters chaired by the President of Iran and headed by the MOHME. The Social-Law Enforcement Committee of the Coronavirus Battle National Headquarters at the Iranian Interior Ministry began implementing the social distancing plan in March; it will continue through April 2020, and it will be extended by the Committee if necessary. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.231 id = cord-323826-nxst9poy author = Amir-Behghadami, Mehrdad title = Electronic screening through community engagement: A national strategic plan to find COVID-19 patients and reduce clinical intervention delays date = 2020-05-04 keywords = covid-19 summary = title: Electronic screening through community engagement: A national strategic plan to find COVID-19 patients and reduce clinical intervention delays The Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education designed and has been implementing an electronic national screening system (https://salamat.gov.ir/) using a modern information network technology. This self-screening plan has been successful through government implementation and community engagement. In conclusion, a successful electronic screening system was developed and introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. On one hand, this system helps in the initial identification of patients with COVID-19 infections and prevents any delay in clinical interventions. Reference: Daily Situation Report on COVID-19, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, IR Iran. Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 99 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a descriptive study Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education website doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.188 id = cord-352671-k2lslpha author = Apaijitt, Patthamaporn title = Knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by medical personnel in a rural area of Thailand date = 2020-04-22 keywords = Thailand summary = title: Knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by medical personnel in a rural area of Thailand To the Editor-Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new respiratory infection that is a global public health problem; as of February 28, 2020, it had already caused disease in >60 countries. Here, we report the results of a questionnaire on knowledge of COVID-19 administered to medical personnel in a rural area of Thailand. Briefly, a 10-question questionnaire (Table 1 ) was used to test the overall knowledge of 124 medical personnel (42 males and 82 females; average age, 36.7 ± 7.9 years) working in the study area (5 physicians, 81 nurses, 20 nurse assistants, 12 public health workers, and 6 other medical workers). Many medical personnel still have a low level of overall knowledge about COVID-19, despite the emergence of the disease in Thailand and after several public health policies counteracting the outbreak have been implemented. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.159 id = cord-265309-1su480xi author = Bagdasarian, Natasha title = A safe and efficient, naturally ventilated structure for COVID-19 surge capacity in Singapore date = 2020-06-24 keywords = COVID-19; EMD summary = Here, we describe the design and function of a low-cost, naturally ventilated temporary structure to increase EMD capacity during the COVID-19 response in Singapore. A multidisciplinary taskforce was assembled to plan for surge capacity, with the intent to create an "EMD extension," a temporary outdoor facility to manage patients with suspected COVID-19 and relieve the pressure on the existing EMD isolation facilities. This report demonstrates the potential for an adapted structure to provide rapid, safe and effective surge capacity for the triage, screening and management of COVID-19 patients. This report, in conjunction with older studies recognizing the utility of natural ventilation, lends credence to the idea that low-cost, rapidly erected structures (ie, open-air tents, without HEPA filtration units) may be a solution to managing the surge of COVID-19 patients, particularly in low-income countries, or other areas with depleted medical capacity. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.309 id = cord-255652-3n2dxljj author = Challener, Douglas W. title = Screening for COVID-19: Patient factors predicting positive PCR test date = 2020-05-19 keywords = patient summary = title: Screening for COVID-19: Patient factors predicting positive PCR test SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19, was isolated in patients from Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and sparked a global pandemic in early 2020. At the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, we began screening patients for COVID-19 on a large scale on March 12, 2020, after Minnesota''s first case was reported on March 10, 2020. The COVID-19-negative patients were selected in a random fashion by matching age (±5 years), sex, collection date, and testing location (Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Arizona) with the positive patients. This study investigates the results of testing ambulatory patients in a relatively low prevalence area in early March 2020 and suggests that exposure to the disease is more predictive of a positive test than any examined symptom. In this analysis, exposure to confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and recent travel were both significantly more predictive of a positive test than the presence of any symptoms. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.249 id = cord-354749-zkgb16ae author = Chen, Gang title = Core principles for infection prevention in hemodialysis centers during the COVID-19 pandemic date = 2020-04-06 keywords = patient summary = 2 Hemodialysis centers, which generally serve high volumes of highly mobile dialysis patients, have an exceptionally high risk of exposure during this outbreak period. In a general tertiary-care hospital, dialysis centers routinely accept patients from outpatient clinics and emergency rooms, further adding to the difficulty of preventing nosocomial infection. 4 Thus, the hemodialysis center in our hospital implemented multiple strategies for infection prevention, including area management and integrated symptom monitoring, in the context of this pandemic. Medical staff are strictly required to maintain hand hygiene and to wear a mask at work. Clinical characteristics of 138 hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in Wuhan, China Expert advice in hemodialysis room (center) to prevent and control the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia Recommendations for prevention and control of novel coronavirus infection in blood purification center (room) from the Chinese Medical Association Nephrology Branch (Trial Version 1) doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.109 id = cord-331130-vr8kczes author = Chirico, Francesco title = Hospital infection and COVID-19: Do not put all your eggs on the “swab” tests date = 2020-05-27 keywords = COVID-19 summary = To the Editor-In healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, hospital administrators have a legal obligation to set up a risk assessment strategy to carry out effective prevention and control measures during the management of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection. According to European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (EU-CDC) guidelines, 1 each hospital should constitute a ''COVID-19 preparedness and response committee'' and should prepare a specific plan, including a number of administrative and structural measures for patient and healthcare management. 2 To minimize the risk of spreading, mass testing with nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal (NP/OP) swab of all patients has been proposed, 2,3 associated with mass testing of both symptomatic and asymptomatic healthcare workers. Indeed, Xie et al 5 observed typical COVID-19 chest lesions via computed tomography (CT) scans in 5 patients with a negative or weakly positive swab test (RT-PCR test). One nosocomial cluster following with a familial cluster of COVID-19 cases: the potential transmission risk in patients with negative swab tests doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.254 id = cord-303680-lva35prk author = Chopra, Teena title = Detroit under siege, the enemy within: The impact of the COVID-19 collision date = 2020-04-21 keywords = Detroit summary = title: Detroit under siege, the enemy within: The impact of the COVID-19 collision As COVID-19 spreads its tentacles deeper into the lives of our people, we scramble to fight this new inferno in a community that is still recovering from an unfortunate past. One of the shrinking cities of the United States, Detroit has faced urban decay due to a multitude of socioeconomic factors. 1,2 Today, 36% of Detroiters live in poverty-1 in 3 people in the city that is home to Motown and the world''s original automotive manufacturing center. As COVID-19 ravages our city, our people are hit hard. Poverty, inadequate healthcare, higher rate of macro and microvascular disease, and an inherent mistrust of the medical community make our beloved city a perfect storm for this pandemic. No financial support was provided relevant to this article. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.154 id = cord-275420-zkxyxiv5 author = Crabtree, Scott J. title = The role of multidisciplinary infection prevention teams in identifying community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States date = 2020-07-23 keywords = SARS; United summary = title: The role of multidisciplinary infection prevention teams in identifying community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States This case study highlights the role of a multidisciplinary Infection Prevention team in the identification of the first community-transmitted SARS-CoV-2 case at a large, tertiary referral center in the United States. By rounding on the hospital units such teams can serve vital infection prevention, antibiotic stewardship, and disease surveillance functions. Through the coordinated efforts of UCD''s multidisciplinary infection prevention (IP) program, the patient was identified as a possible COVID-19 case and obtained SARS-CoV-2 testing. During rounds, each patient is reviewed through the electronic medical record and via discussion with the bedside nurse to evaluate for possible infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship interventions. The patient''s case was discussed with her bedside nurse, who confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 was considered by her primary team, but given the absence of exposures, testing for this agent was not pursued. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.360 id = cord-279639-9vd3ew41 author = Cronin, Sean title = RE: Universal SARS-CoV-2 testing on admission to the labor and delivery unit: Low prevalence among asymptomatic obstetric patients date = 2020-07-30 keywords = York summary = Noting that their rate was substantially lower than that reported in New York City, the authors theorized that it might be due to their patients (1) being tested >30 days after physical distancing orders were in place; (2) the population density of Boston being less than New York City; and (3) New York women underreporting symptoms due to New York hospitals banning support people from labor and delivery. 1 Studying similar universal screening in pregnant women presenting to labor and delivery at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia during the same time frame as the Boston study, we found that 9.6% of 114 consecutive asymptomatic women tested positive for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Universal SARS-CoV-2 testing on admission to the labor and delivery unit: low prevalence among asymptomatic obstetric patients doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.382 id = cord-339611-m58iv5wy author = Diao, MengYuan title = The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in Hangzhou: An experience to share date = 2020-03-05 keywords = Hangzhou summary = 1 According to the Health Commission of Zhejiang Province, 2 6 cases were first reported on January 19, 2020, and the cumulative cases reached 169 as of February 20, 2020. The situation in Hangzhou was once rather severe-it was the top-ranking city with respect to the number of confirmed cases in Zhejiang province at the beginning of the epidemic. This peak occurred about a week after launching the highest level of emergency public health alert and response in Hangzhou, which indicates that the prevention and control measures may have been effective. First, aware of the seriousness of the situation, on January 23, 2020, the Zhejiang province authorities launched a Level I Public Health Incident Alert, the highest level of emergency public health alert and response in the nation''s public health management system. The impact of a public emergency health alert on the daily incidence of COVID-19 infection in Hangzhou. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.62 id = cord-255458-81ugj38k author = Doll, Michelle E. title = Utility of retesting for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: Impact of the interval between tests date = 2020-05-11 keywords = SARS summary = title: Utility of retesting for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: Impact of the interval between tests Infectious disease physicians designated each patient with high or low probability based on the following clinical criteria consistent with reported literature 7 : (1) exposure to SARS-CoV-2; (2) symptoms of COVID-19, including hypoxia, respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, or fever; (3) leukopenia; (4) chest imaging; (5) lack of other explanatory diagnosis. Overall, 70 inpatients with initially negative SARS-CoV-2 testing underwent repeat testing for ongoing clinical concerns between March 2 and April 4, 2020. Early interval retesting of patients with a high pretest probability for SARS-CoV-2 as part of a formal protocol was performed from March 31, 2020, through April 7, 2020. The patient who tested positive 6 days after a negative result was deemed "low probability" when re-evaluated for that repeat test. 3, 4 However, cases of high probability symptomatic patients with false-negative testing early in the course of illness have been reported. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.224 id = cord-327574-24t10fs4 author = Fakih, Mohamad G. title = Overcoming COVID-19: Addressing the perception of risk and transitioning protective behaviors to habits date = 2020-06-09 keywords = risk summary = title: Overcoming COVID-19: Addressing the perception of risk and transitioning protective behaviors to habits The risk of contracting COVID-19 infection depends on the prevalence within a community, the efficiency of viral transmission, and the behavior of the susceptible host. The approach to curbing further transmission of COVID-19 within communities focuses on the institution of measures (1) to detect and isolate those infected, (2) to practice point source control, (3) to reduce environmental contamination, and (4) to optimize engineering controls. 5 On the other hand, instituting behaviors such as selfisolation for 10-14 days prior to a surgery, eliminates the risk of a patient being actively infected at the time of the procedure. 7, 9 However, according to the protection motivation theory, 7 risk perception is an imperative but insufficient precursor for the adoption of protective behaviors. Perceived threat, risk perception, and efficacy beliefs related to SARS and other (emerging) infectious diseases: results of an international survey doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.284 id = cord-271360-2s6h4u8p author = Gon, Giorgia title = Reducing hand recontamination of healthcare workers during COVID-19 date = 2020-04-06 keywords = hand summary = 1 However, a neglected aspect of hand hygiene, even in the absence of a global pandemic, is the risk of touching surfaces or objects that could recontaminate hands after hand rubbing or washing, whether gloves are worn or not. Infection prevention is key during this pandemic, and reducing hand recontamination is important to ensuring patient and HCW safety at all times. In a recent study in Tanzania during which 781 hand hygiene indications were observed, approximately half of the times when birth attendants rubbed or washed their hands, they then recontaminated their hands on potentially unclean surfaces before performing an aseptic procedure. In their ethnography of infection prevention in Australia, Hor et al 9 state that understanding the "boundaries of what is clean" is not straightforward in hospital departments and that HCWs have different perceptions over whether certain surfaces could potentially lead to cross transmission. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.111 id = cord-313246-2gtiqrnj author = Hazra, Aniruddha title = Coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens date = 2020-07-03 keywords = SARS summary = 3 The same specimen can be tested via RT-PCR for a respiratory panel (RP) of other common pathogens, including adenovirus, coronavirus 229E/HKU1/NL63/OC43, human metapneumovirus, influenza A/B, parainfluenza 1-4, respiratory syncytial virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, and rhinovirus/enterovirus (BioFire FilmArray respiratory panel 2). This report examines patients with influenza-like illness symptoms who were simultaneously tested for SARS-CoV-2 and the above panel from March 12, 2020, through April 15, 2020. During the observed period, 2,535 specimens were simultaneously tested for SARS-CoV-2 and RP pathogens on 2,458 symptomatic patients. Notably, the median age of coinfected patients was nearly 20 years younger than those only infected with SARS-CoV-2. During the study period, the Illinois Department of Public Health noted a decline in influenza tests positivity from 14.9% to 1.6% between the weeks ending March 14, 2020, and April 11, 2020, respectively. Rates of coinfection between SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.322 id = cord-278987-3s5p9yw6 author = Hirotsu, Yosuke title = Environmental cleaning is effective for the eradication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in contaminated hospital rooms: A patient from the Diamond Princess cruise ship date = 2020-04-17 keywords = SARS summary = title: Environmental cleaning is effective for the eradication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in contaminated hospital rooms: A patient from the Diamond Princess cruise ship The patient stayed in room A for 3 days, during which he had the SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in several types of clinical samples including bronchial lavage fluid, nasopharyngeal swab, pharyngeal swab, sputum, saliva, and feces. 4, 5 Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via surfaces in hospitals is of great concern to medical staff and patients. 6 A recent study showed that environmental contamination can occur via contact with patients with SARS-CoV-2 and upper respiratory tract symptoms. Double-quencher probes improved the detection sensitivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by one-step RT-PCR Surface environmental, and personal protective equipment contamination by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a symptomatic patient All authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.144 id = cord-252714-idlyl4ga author = Islam, M. Saiful title = Current knowledge of COVID-19 and infection prevention and control strategies in healthcare settings: A global analysis date = 2020-05-15 keywords = COVID-19; China; IPC; SARS summary = 1,2 Outbreaks of newly emerging or remerging infectious diseases present a unique challenge and a threat to healthcare providers (HCPs) and other frontline responders due to limited understanding of the emerging threat and reliance on infection prevention and control (IPC) measures that may not consider all transmission dynamics of the emerging pathogens. We searched publications in English on ''PubMed'' and Google Scholar for the period between January 1 and April 27, 2020, using the following search terms: "2019-nCoV" or "COVID-19" or "2019 novel coronavirus" or "SARS-CoV-2." To identify COVID-19 IPC guidelines, we visited the websites of the international public health agencies such as CDC, ECDC, WHO, as well as the Australian Government Department of Health, the Bureau of Disease Prevention and Control of the National Health Commission of the People''s Republic of China, and Public Health England. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.237 id = cord-300138-1s87msv2 author = Jang, Youngeun title = Olfactory and taste disorder: The first and only sign in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia date = 2020-04-20 keywords = SARS summary = 3 Recently, Giacomelli et al 4 reported that 20 of 59 (33.9%) of SARS-CoV-2-positive hospitalized patients had an olfactory or taste disorder. 4 SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted in the asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic stages; therefore, olfactory and taste disorders can be significant signs for its early detection to control transmission. He had been self-quarantined for 14 days since March 12 due to close contact with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2-positive patient, who was his cohabitant. Although he had no clinical symptoms or signs of COVID-19 such as fever, myalgia, cough, and sore throat, on March 26 (the final day of his quarantine) he was confirmed positive based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (Rdrp gene, cycle threshold value of 30.28 on sputum and 33.47 on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab). This case of a SARS-CoV-2-positive patient with radiologically proven pneumonia on chest CT, who presented with only olfactory and taste disorders and no other clinical manifestations, suggests that previous cases with asymptomatic infections could have been misclassified. Self-reported olfactory and taste disorders in SARS-CoV-2 patients: a cross-sectional study doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.151 id = cord-351694-nb7230s1 author = Jatt, Lauren P. title = Widespread severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) laboratory surveillance program to minimize asymptomatic transmission in high-risk inpatient and congregate living settings date = 2020-06-16 keywords = SARS summary = title: Widespread severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) laboratory surveillance program to minimize asymptomatic transmission in high-risk inpatient and congregate living settings We describe a widespread laboratory surveillance program for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at an integrated medical campus that includes a tertiary-care center, a skilled nursing facility, a rehabilitation treatment center, and temporary shelter units. As part of its coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, VAGLAHS implemented a widespread laboratory surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2 in both hospital and residential facilities. Finally, on March 31, the laboratory at VALBHS initiated SARS-CoV-2 testing using the cobas system and began accepting specimens from other VA facilities, substantially increasing testing capacity and further decreasing turnaround time to a median of 1 day (IQR, 1-1). On April 3 and April 6, 57 residents who originally tested negative but lived in the same SNF unit as the SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals were retested, and 2 additional asymptomatic cases were identified. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.301 id = cord-277776-5r9comw2 author = John, Amrita R. title = Scalable in-hospital decontamination of N95 filtering face-piece respirator with a peracetic acid room disinfection system date = 2020-10-12 keywords = N95; PAA; cycle; respirator summary = METHODS: A multidisciplinary pragmatic study was conducted to evaluate the use of an ultrasonic room high-level disinfection system (HLDS) that generates aerosolized peracetic acid (PAA) and hydrogen peroxide for decontamination of large numbers of N95 respirators. 9, 10 Given the shortage of N95 respirators, the CDC has provided updated guidance for extended use and limited reuse of these respirators by HCWs. 11 Several strategies have been proposed for conserving PPE: repurposing other devices to be used as FFRs; creating FFRs at home; and decontaminating N95s using ultraviolet-C germicidal irradiation, dry heat, moist heat, or vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A multi-institutional study was conducted at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (UHCMC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center, and the Cleveland Veterans'' Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) to evaluate the use of an ultrasonic room disinfection system that generates aerosolized PAA and hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting large numbers of N95 respirators. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1257 id = cord-292736-698j35gp author = Keating, Julie A. title = Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and antibiotic stewardship: Using a systems engineering approach to maintain patient safety date = 2020-10-12 keywords = CDI summary = Antibiotic stewardship (AS) practices are critical during the COVID-19 pandemic due to risks of antibiotic overuse on patient safety, including Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). A systems engineering approach can help teams evaluate and modify work system elements to support AS and prevent CDI as part of their facility''s COVID-19 response. 8 Given the urgent needs to ensure appropriate antibiotic use and reduce CDI risk in COVID-19 patients, a systems engineering approach such as SEIPS can be used to understand the various work-system factors that are involved in antibiotic stewardship and CDI prevention. The interaction of these elements drives antibiotic stewardship, COVID-19 treatment, and CDI prevention processes in each work system; thus, they influence critical patient and organizational outcomes. The SEIPS framework is Person centered: the COVID-19 patient, prescribers, and antibiotic stewardship team members interact with all work-system elements. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1263 id = cord-332196-03cklmm3 author = Kennedy, Amy J. title = Retesting for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): Patterns of testing from a large US healthcare system date = 2020-08-10 keywords = SARS summary = Often decisions on who to test are left to individual clinicians, which leads to questions about when and who to retest for COVID-19, how often false positives or negatives might occur, and the duration of positivity. This report describes patterns of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) retesting in inpatients and outpatients within a large US healthcare system. We performed a retrospective chart review of all inpatients and outpatients aged ≥18 years receiving care within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) with ≥2 SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests with an initial test between March 3 and May 3, 2020, and a subsequent test before May 21, 2020. In this retrospective study of a large US healthcare system, we found that retesting for SARS-CoV-2 was uncommon and often resulted in multiple negative tests. Utility of retesting for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: impact of the interval between tests doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.413 id = cord-310285-ua894psi author = Khatri, Anadi title = COVID-19 and ophthalmology: An underappreciated occupational hazard date = 2020-07-20 keywords = PPE summary = Letter to the Editor-We read the article "COVID-19 and ophthalmology: an underappreciated occupational hazard" by Kuo and O''Brien 1 with great interest. Personal protective equipment (PPE) has become the gold standard during the COVID-19 pandemic for prevention of infection. In the long term, these difficulties may hamper the performance of healthcare workers like ophthalmologists, whose work demands high precision. Although it has become a norm, the evidence is already clear that many ophthalmologists and eye care professionals are having difficulties related to PPE use. 6 Although this may be an advantage because much of the "design for the greatest ease of use" would have already been already improvised, many such DIY efforts remain unproven in terms of the actual protection they provide. COVID-19 and ophthalmology: an underappreciated occupational hazard Safety testing improvised COVID-19 personal protective equipment based on a modified full-face snorkel mask doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.344 id = cord-262520-480kgpp2 author = Kim, Yun Jeong title = How to keep patients and staff safe from accidental SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the emergency room: Lessons from South Korea’s explosive COVID-19 outbreak date = 2020-07-30 keywords = COVID-19 summary = title: How to keep patients and staff safe from accidental SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the emergency room: Lessons from South Korea''s explosive COVID-19 outbreak Conclusions: Problematic accidental exposure and nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 can be successfully prevented through active isolation and surveillance policies and comprehensive PPE use despite longer ER stays and the presence of more severely ill patients during a severe COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions: Problematic accidental exposure and nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 can be successfully prevented through active isolation and surveillance policies and comprehensive PPE use despite longer ER stays and the presence of more severely ill patients during a severe COVID-19 outbreak. 5 To prevent ER shutdown and nosocomial transmission of COVID-19, many ERs in Daegu revised triage procedures and performed active surveillance and isolation and implemented a universal mask policy and comprehensive use of PPE, similar to our hospital. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.376 id = cord-297886-kxb17zx4 author = Kluger, Dan M. title = Impact of healthcare worker shift scheduling on workforce preservation during the COVID-19 pandemic date = 2020-07-20 keywords = Kluger; covid-19 summary = We ran Monte Carlo simulations modeling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in non–COVID-19 wards, and we found that longer nursing shifts and scheduling designs in which teams of nurses and doctors co-rotate no more frequently than every 3 days can lead to fewer infections. In summary, pandemics necessitate widespread reassessment of workforce planning to ensure backup of sufficient uninfected HCWs. Using various input variables for our simulations for non-COVID-19 services, we make 3 primary observations: (1) Having all HCWs work at least 3 consecutive days reduces the chance of team failure, (2) longer nursing shifts (12 versus 8 hours) decreases the rate of HCW infection, and (3) avoiding staggering of rotations of attendings, house staff, and nurses reduces the number of infected HCWs. When applying this model to the real-world challenge of staffing hospital units, clinical setting variables such as trainee presence, patient acuity, stay length, and nurse-patient ratio will need to be considered. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.337 id = cord-321933-cq0fa3hs author = Koff, Alan G. title = Prolonged incubation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a patient on rituximab therapy date = 2020-10-07 keywords = SARS summary = title: Prolonged incubation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a patient on rituximab therapy The incubation period of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is rarely >14 days. We report a patient with hypogammaglobulinemia who developed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a confirmed incubation period of at least 21 days. [2] [3] [4] 6, 7 In the vast majority of cases, the incubation period is far less than 14 days, which has helped to inform the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for a 14-day quarantine period after a known coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposure. This case demonstrates an objectively confirmed asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection with symptom onset 21 days after her positive test. The incubation period of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from publicly reported confirmed cases: estimation and application The difference in the incubation period of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection between travelers to Hubei and nontravelers: the need for a longer quarantine period doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1239 id = cord-327920-51s4figy author = Kohler, Philipp P. title = Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Swiss hospital workers: Results of a prospective cohort study date = 2020-10-08 keywords = CMIA; SARS summary = 5 The aims of this prospective cohort study were to assess seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2, to identify risk exposures, and to describe the spectrum of COVID-19 symptoms among hospital workers. Participants'' sera were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using 3 different tests: a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA, Sugentech, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea), a chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA, Abbott Diagnostics, Lake Bluff, IL), and an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA, Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). At followup, 2 participants showed a positive LFIA (IgG) and ECLIA/ CMIA result in addition to the 8 samples confirmed at baseline, resulting in 10 of 1,012 true seropositives (1.0%) and 48 of 1,012 false seropositives (4.7%) (Fig. 1) . This finding is in line with data from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guideline on SARS-CoV serology testing showing a lower sensitivity of CMIA IgG compared to LFIA IgM early after infection. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1244 id = cord-289901-xb1wg3xv author = Krantz, Steven G. title = Level of underreporting including underdiagnosis before the first peak of COVID-19 in various countries: Preliminary retrospective results based on wavelets and deterministic modeling date = 2020-04-09 keywords = March summary = title: Level of underreporting including underdiagnosis before the first peak of COVID-19 in various countries: Preliminary retrospective results based on wavelets and deterministic modeling 5 We propose a model-based evaluation of underreporting of coronavirus in various countries using the methods we recently developed using harmonic analysis, 5 that is, to develop full epidemic data from partial data (using a wavelet approach). However, our predictions for underreporting as of March 9 in a couple of European countries were close to the reported number of COVID-19 cases as more cases surfaced from March 9 to March 16, 2020. Furthermore, we considered daily new cases (>10) up to the first reported peak of COVID-19 cases and the corresponding date ranges for all the countries for which such data were available. We constructed the Meyer wavelets for the reported and adjusted data after adjusting the infected number in the population for underreporting. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.116 id = cord-287167-rc9a5xs5 author = Kyaw, Win Mar title = Healthcare worker acute respiratory illness cluster in 2020: Could it be from COVID-19? date = 2020-07-23 keywords = ARI summary = To the Editor-Since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in China, >45,000 confirmed cases including >60 healthcare workers (HCWs) have been reported in Singapore. 4 After the SARS nosocomial outbreak, web-based staff sickness surveillance systems have been established at TTSH for the early detection of HCW clusters of acute respiratory infection (ARI). 7 During the COVID-19 pandemic, a team of public healthtrained personnel maintained close monitoring of staff sickness reporting to identify ARI clusters among the 12,000 HCWs working at the 1,600-bed TTSH and its collocated 330-bed National Centre for Infectious Diseases, the national referral centre for COVID-19 response. Compared to the first 27 weeks of 2019 (n = 28), the number of ARI clusters identified among staff working in inpatient wards in 2020 (n = 39) was significantly lower: 49% versus 78%, respectively (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.78; P = .016). doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.364 id = cord-273477-ifhgbm2e author = Lee, Joon Kee title = Wearing face masks regardless of symptoms is crucial for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in hospitals date = 2020-05-06 keywords = COVID-19 summary = 4, 5 In addition to the use of personal protective equipment by healthcare workers (HCWs), ensuring that all visiting patients and guardians wear face masks and adhere to strict hand hygiene protocols is crucial. Here, we share our experience in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within a hospital through strict monitoring at the hospital entrance by ensuring that all visitors wear face masks and practice strict hand hygiene. These measures include reducing the number of unnecessary access points, checking the body temperatures of visitors using a thermal camera, and ensuring that all visitors and employees adhere to hand hygiene protocols and wear face masks, regardless of symptoms. 8 To prevent hospital spread of COVID-19, hospital entrance control, wearing of face masks, and strict hand hygiene protocols appear to be effective. Interim infection prevention and control recommendations for patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare settings Infection prevention and control recommendations for patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare settings doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.202 id = cord-268935-4obwu75u author = Lepak, Alexander J. title = Implementation of infection control measures to prevent healthcare-associated transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) date = 2020-10-12 keywords = SARS summary = title: Implementation of infection control measures to prevent healthcare-associated transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Adoption of the infection control bundle described may be helpful to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread within healthcare institutions. Notably, repeated inpatient testing of individuals was, in general, directed toward those undergoing procedures, those in whom signs or symptoms suggested possible COVID-19, those with acute changes in status requiring intensive care unit (ICU) or intermediate (IMC) care, and/or based on provider judgment. For the single positive inpatient without a prior history of SARS-CoV-2, chart review revealed that this adult patient lived in a community setting, had mild symptoms (sinus congestion, eye pain, and cough) that started 10 days prior to admission, and was self-isolating at home. We believe that infection was present from community exposure prior to admission; therefore, we did not find any laboratory-confirmed cases suggestive of possible nosocomially acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection despite a substantial inpatient population with and without COVID-19. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1262 id = cord-326599-n0vmb946 author = Leung, Char title = The difference in the incubation period of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection between travelers to Hubei and non-travelers: The need of a longer quarantine period date = 2020-03-18 keywords = Hubei summary = title: The difference in the incubation period of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection between travelers to Hubei and non-travelers: The need of a longer quarantine period Data collected from the individual cases reported by the media were used to estimate the distribution of the incubation period of travelers to Hubei and non-travelers. Against this background, the present work estimated the distribution of incubation periods of patients infected in and outside Hubei. The very first observation of the incubation period of SARS-CoV-2 came from the National Health Such difference might be due to the difference in infectious dose since travelers to Hubei might be exposed to different sources of infection multiple times during their stay in Hubei. Incubation period of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections among travellers from Wuhan doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.81 id = cord-306913-7i7f3ntr author = Lin, Hui-Ling title = Managing humidity support in intubated ventilated patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) date = 2020-08-12 keywords = HME summary = Clinical reviews have recommended the use of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) for humidification during mechanical ventilation for intubated patients with infectious disease to minimize the risk of exposure the pathogens to healthcare workers (HCWs). Simple HMEs may allow up to 60% of medical aerosol to pass through, 8 so only the use of HME with an electrostatic bacterial filter (HMEF) should be considered to reduce exhaled pathogens from intubated patients during mechanical ventilation. 10 Thus, it is necessary to minimize the need for disconnecting the circuit from the ventilator, which greatly reduces the pathogen exposure via droplets and contact transmission to HCWs. Intubated, mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients who develop thick secretions may need to receive heated humidification rather than HME. In conclusion, to protect HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients during mechanical ventilation, the of using an HME or a dual-limb heated ventilator circuit with minimal condensate production should be considered. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.418 id = cord-338946-j8xdz15a author = Luo, Yuying title = Hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infections during the COVID-19 pandemic date = 2020-09-23 keywords = CDI summary = 3 To understand the impact of COVID-19 on hospital-onset CDI, we examined antibiotic prescribing patterns, standardized infection ratios (SIRs), and baseline variables in hospitalized adult patients prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis at a high-volume tertiary-care center comparing a pre-COVID-19 cohort (February-June 2019) of all adult patients who were diagnosed with CDI on admission or during their hospitalization with a cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic (February-June 2020). At a high-volume, academic, tertiary-care center in an epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not find a difference in hospital-onset CDI rate despite a trend toward increased high-risk antibiotic exposures. 6 We detected a trend toward increased length of stay, especially during our peak COVID-19 census in April, which may predispose patients to hospital-acquired infections, including CDI. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1223 id = cord-273541-47n8i2qg author = Mena Lora, Alfredo J. title = Feasibility and impact of inverted classroom methodology for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic preparedness at an urban community hospital date = 2020-10-20 keywords = COVID-19; ICM summary = title: Feasibility and impact of inverted classroom methodology for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic preparedness at an urban community hospital We describe our experience using inverted classroom methodology (ICM) for COVID-19 pandemic preparedness in a small hospital with limited infection prevention staff. [6] [7] [8] Faced with COVID-19, our facility used ICM as a major tool for pandemic preparedness to leverage our limited infectious diseases and infection preventionist human resources. We assessed the feasibility of ICM for pandemic preparedness and its impact on knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of HCWs. We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey at a 151-bed urban safety-net community teaching hospital. Town halls were led by the infection preventionist and infectious diseases physician and served as the instruction phase, providing opportunities for questions and knowledge application from the videos. ICM was a feasible and efficient way to deliver educational content for pandemic preparedness at a community hospital with limited infection preventionist and infectious diseases physician staff. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1272 id = cord-297641-bgmib6xb author = Meng, Xiujuan title = Alert for SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by fecal aerosols in rural areas in China date = 2020-04-07 keywords = SARS summary = title: Alert for SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by fecal aerosols in rural areas in China 1 The virus causing COVID-19, designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is closely related to SARS-CoV. 2 In 2003, a SARS-CoV outbreak at Amoy Gardens in Hong Kong led to 329 confirmed cases of infection and 42 deaths. 3 Subsequent studies suggested that the plumbing and ventilation systems at Amoy Gardens interacted to allow transmission of the SARS virus and that high concentrations of viral aerosols in the plumbing were the primary mode of transmission in this outbreak. Based on these characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 is prone to cause outbreaks in the community, particularly in rural areas. In concentrated areas, residents mainly use flush toilets, which can generate huge quantities of aerosols; the ventilation and plumbing systems in these places are not effective for maximal hygiene. The feces may form high concentrations of viral aerosols that travel through the air to cause infection. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.114 id = cord-310026-j418v75n author = Miller, Jemima H. title = Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic isolation measures on the rate of non–COVID-19 infections in hematology patients date = 2020-10-20 keywords = covid-19 summary = title: Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic isolation measures on the rate of non–COVID-19 infections in hematology patients Hematology inpatients admitted between January 24 and May 23 (inclusive) for 2019 and 2020 were included in the study, a 4-month period from when the first patient with COVID-19 in Australia was admitted to Monash Health (January 24, 2020) and the equivalent dates the year prior to minimize effects of seasonal variation. The difference in infection rates was statistically significant for respiratory PCR (20.27% vs 10.90%; P = .01) but not for fecal PCR (8.00% vs 6.76%; P = 1.00) or blood cultures (3.27% vs 3.41%; P = .88) ( Table 1) . The percentage of positive respiratory PCR results was significantly lower in 2020 than 2019, when the hospital implemented changes in infection control practices and visitor restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic (Appendix 1 online). doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1279 id = cord-340132-t77pab71 author = Mohammadzadeh, Nima title = Iran’s success in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic date = 2020-04-23 keywords = Iran summary = To the Editor-Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection ranging from mild respiratory illness (eg, respiratory symptoms, cough, fever, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties) to severe illness (eg, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and death) 1 that has caused an unprecedented global crises in <90 days in all 206 countries of the world. The increase in COVID-19 cases in the advanced industrial countries, including Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and United States, reflects the rapid spread of the virus. According to reports released by the ministries of health in Iran and Italy, 4, 5 Iran formed a headquarters for the COVID-19 crisis on February 23, when the virus count was~15 people per day. Also, these countries'' respective health ministries published safety and prevention guidelines for many locations, especially crowded centers including hospitals, clubs, transportation systems, schools, etc, in the early days of the outbreak. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.169 id = cord-313292-w0ud098l author = Moradi, Hazhir title = Lessons learned from Korea: COVID-19 pandemic date = 2020-04-03 keywords = Korea summary = Early detection helped Korea eliminate the infection from the community and restrict it to health facilities, which is an essential aspect of outbreak response. The number of the KCDC call center has been mentioned in almost every report, and Koreans were asked not to travel to China and Wuhan, to avoid public outdoor activities, to cough or sneeze safely, and to wear masks when visiting a health center. 10 Altogether, the main goal of outbreak response in Korea was prevention of entrance of COVID-19 and at the same time, inhibition of the spread of the virus throughout the country. COVID-19) situation reports. Public health crisis preparedness and response in Korea The first case of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia imported into Korea from Wuhan, China: implication for infection prevention and control measures How to manage a public health crisis and bioterrorism in Korea doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.104 id = cord-291265-qmylxndp author = Moravvej, Zahra title = COVID-19 pandemic: Ophthalmic practice and precautions in a tertiary eye hospital in Iran date = 2020-04-23 keywords = COVID-19; patient summary = title: COVID-19 pandemic: Ophthalmic practice and precautions in a tertiary eye hospital in Iran 7 Here, we address the prevention strategies employed against COVID-19 according to assessments of infection control experts and ophthalmologists, in Amiralmomenin Hospital a tertiary referral eye hospital in Guilan, Iran. To avoid redundant visits to the hospital, patients who were managed in an outpatient setting were contacted via phone by eye-care professionals at appropriate intervals. Environmental surfaces frequently touched by staff and patients, such as light switches, door knobs, and nursing stations were cleaned according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. The personal protective equipment for the eye-care nursing staff, ophthalmology residents, and attending eye surgeons included Latex gloves, eye protection (goggles or face shields), a surgical-style face mask, a long-sleeved fluid-resistant gown, and disposable shoe covers. Evaluation of coronavirus in tears and conjunctival secretions of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection Interim infection prevention and control recommendations for patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare settings doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.164 id = cord-319427-jkxioc1j author = Mughal, Mohsin Sheraz title = The prevalence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies in intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare personnel (HCP) and its implications—a single-center, prospective, pilot study date = 2020-06-12 keywords = ICU summary = title: The prevalence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies in intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare personnel (HCP) and its implications—a single-center, prospective, pilot study To the Editor-Healthcare personnel (HCP), including practitioners, nursing staff, respiratory therapists, and the pronepositioning team caring for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are considered to have a high risk of exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 2 To our knowledge, no other study has addressed the prevalence of subclinical seroconversion of SARS-CoV-2 among HCP in the ICU setting. In this study, we investigated the seroconversion of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in ICU HCP exposed to critically ill COVID-19 patients. In total, 134 ICU HCP responded to the survey, and 121 HCP were eligible for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody testing. Of 134 ICU HCP eligible staff, 13 were excluded and 121 underwent SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody testing. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.298 id = cord-261985-ezzcgy6z author = Musa, Saif A. title = COVID-19: Defining an invisible enemy within healthcare and the community date = 2020-06-08 keywords = COVID-19 summary = A lack of national and internationally agreed case definitions for healthcare-associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to inconsistencies in describing epidemiology, which limit comparisons. Hospital-onset healthcare-associated (HoHA) COVID-19 would define current hospitalized inpatients residing >14 days. Hospitalonset possible healthcare-associated (HoPHA) cases, in those residing between 3 and 14 days in the hospital, in the absence of suspected COVID-19 on admission. New cases diagnosed within 14 days of acute-care hospital discharge would be community-onset, healthcare-associated (CoHA) infection. Community-associated (CA) cases would refer to those diagnosed within 2 days or suspected on admission (diagnosed >2 days after admission) and no acute-care hospitalization within the previous 14 days. The rates of HoHA and HoPHA COVID-19 cases per total number of hospital admissions during this period were 32 of 1,818 (1.76%) and 32 of 1,818 (1.76%), respectively. 5 Our data demonstrate that healthcare-associated COVID-19 has contributed an important number of cases patients during the height of a pandemic. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.283 id = cord-339516-xfwxtjry author = Nakashima, Tsutomu title = Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction caused by SARS-CoV-2: Comparison with cases of infection with influenza and other viruses date = 2020-05-05 keywords = SARS summary = title: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction caused by SARS-CoV-2: Comparison with cases of infection with influenza and other viruses Two nurses working in the National Cancer Center Hospital underwent the viral PCR test because they had similar symptoms, and they were both SARS-CoV-2 positive, although they had neither fever nor cough (Asahi Shimbun newspaper [digital], March 28, 2020). [2] [3] [4] The influenza and parainfluenza type 3 viruses were reported to be causative of olfactory loss most frequently. However, the adverse effect of olfactory dysfunction due to influenza vaccination was also reported. Suzuki et al 8 confirmed the presence of various viruses in the nasal discharge of patients with postviral infection olfactory dysfunction, such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and coronavirus. However, only short-term follow-up investigation has been conducted regarding the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the chemosensory function. We believe that epidemiological investigation is required regarding the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the olfactory and gustatory functions in terms of the frequency, time course, and relationship with other symptoms. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.196 id = cord-305560-ade9wqwk author = Nestler, Matthew J. title = Impact of COVID-19 on pneumonia-focused antibiotic use at an academic medical center date = 2020-07-23 keywords = April summary = 1 Many patients requiring hospitalization for COVID-19 present with symptoms mimicking community-acquired bacterial pneumonia prompting empiric antibiotic use. 2, 3 Antibiotic usage trends are starting to be published; a study by Velasco Arnaiz et al 4 showed increased pediatric inpatient azithromycin and ceftriaxone use in March and April of 2020 compared to the same months in 2019. We hypothesized that antibiotic days of therapy per 1,000 patient days (DOT per 1,000 PD) for key antimicrobials targeting pneumonia would be affected for April and May of 2020 when compared to the average DOT per 1,000 PD over the preceding year due to the impact of COVID-19 on our health system. The antibiotics ceftriaxone, azithromycin, levofloxacin, doxycycline, cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, and vancomycin were chosen due to their common use for either communityacquired pneumonia (CAP) or hospital-acquired/ventilatorassociated pneumonia (HAP/VAP) coverage. Impact of COVID-19 on pneumonia-focused antibiotic use at an academic medical center. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.362 id = cord-257994-i6hut28h author = Nogee, Daniel title = Covid-19 and the N95 respirator shortage: Closing the gap date = 2020-04-13 keywords = SARS summary = Due to extreme shortages of personal protective equipment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare workers will be forced to recycle protective masks intended for disposal after a single use. We propose investigating the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to sterilize masks of SARS-CoV-2 for safer reuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published guidelines for optimizing supply to extend stocks through limiting use, reuse at the patient and provider levels, and alternative personal protective equipment recommendations. Although further work will be needed to determine dosages of UVGI to effectively sterilize SARS-CoV-2 contaminated FFRs, UVGI provides a potential avenue for greatly extending the limited FFR supply in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in a simple, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable manner. A pandemic influenza preparedness study: use of energetic methods to decontaminate filtering facepiece respirators contaminated with H1N1 aerosols and droplets Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation of influenza-contaminated N95 filtering facepiece respirators No financial support was provided relevant to this article. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.124 id = cord-274871-jlquvz51 author = Nori, Priya title = Bacterial and fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the New York City pandemic surge date = 2020-07-24 keywords = COVID-19; patient summary = title: Bacterial and fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the New York City pandemic surge We observed bacterial or fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients admitted between March 1 and April 18, 2020 (152 of 4,267, 3.6%). Few studies have addressed bacterial or fungal coinfections or the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Patient demographics, central venous catheter status, ICU status, mechanical ventilation status, imaging, laboratory results, administered antibiotics per days of therapy (DOT), and disposition (admitted, discharged, deceased) were obtained from the electronic medical record. We observed widespread empiric antibiotic use throughout the pandemic and clinically relevant bacterial and fungal coinfections in patients with advanced COVID-19 and multiple risk factors for nosocomial infection (mechanical ventilation, central venous catheters, treatment with corticosteroids or biologics, and prolonged hospitalization). 2,6 Moreover, 79% of coinfected patients received antibiotics in the 30 days preceding positive cultures and 98% received them during the index COVID-19 hospitalization. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.368 id = cord-259396-vmc2q1bi author = Periyasamy, Petrick title = Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk: Surgical or N95 masks? date = 2020-09-15 keywords = SARS summary = WHO underlines the use of N95 respirators or equivalent as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers (HCW) managing COVID-19 positive patients when aerosolised-generating-procedures (AGP) are being conducted.This retrospective observational study describes the result of COVID-19 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in health care workers (HCW) wearing different form of personal protective equipment (PPE) who had had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient during performing such procedures. Little is known about the effectiveness of different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) for preventing SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs. We describe the clinical outcome of HCWs exposed to sudden acute respiratory infection patient before the diagnosis of COVID-19 was known. This retrospective observational study describes the result of reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in HCWs wearing different form of PPE who had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient during performing AGPs. All HCWs were quarantined for 14 days after the exposure. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.465 id = cord-287303-b7vg439c author = Piché-Renaud, Pierre-Philippe title = Healthcare worker perception of a global outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and personal protective equipment: Survey of a pediatric tertiary-care hospital date = 2020-08-12 keywords = COVID-19; IPAC; PPE summary = OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to capture perspectives of healthcare workers (HCWs) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures implemented during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERVENTION: A self-administered survey was distributed to HCWs. We analyzed factors influencing HCW knowledge and self-reported use of personal protective equipment (PPE), concerns about contracting COVID-19 and acceptance of the recommended IPAC precautions for COVID-19. 13, 14 During the 2003 SARS outbreak in Canada, inconsistent use of PPE and lack of adequate infection control training were among the factors contributing to the infection of HCWs. 15 In this study, we aimed to capture attitudes and knowledge of HCWs regarding COVID-19 and IPAC measures in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially related to PPE. We also sought to identify factors influencing HCW knowledge and self-reported use of personal protective equipment (PPE), concerns about contracting COVID-19, and acceptance of the recommended IPAC precautions for COVID19 . doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.415 id = cord-283623-umqu07te author = Ponce-Alonso, Manuel title = Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on nosocomial Clostridioides difficile infection date = 2020-09-08 keywords = CDI; covid-19 summary = METHODS: We retrospectively compared the incidence density (cases per 10,000 patient days) of healthcare-facility–associated (HCFA) CDI in a tertiary-care hospital in Madrid, Spain, during the maximum incidence of COVID-19 (March 11 to May 11, 2020) with the same period of the previous year (control period). CONCLUSIONS: The observed reduction of ~70% in the incidence density of HCFA CDI in a context of no reduction in antibiotic use supports the importance of reducing nosocomial transmission by healthcare workers and asymptomatic colonized patients, reinforcing cleaning procedures and reducing patient mobility in the epidemiological control of CDI. Despite the aforementioned limitations, our observation of a dramatic decrease in CDI in a context of no reduction in the use of antibiotics supports the importance of reducing the nosocomial transmission by healthcare workers or asymptomatically colonized patients, reinforcing cleaning procedure and reducing hospital mobility of patients in the epidemiological control of CDI. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.454 id = cord-252344-5a0sriq9 author = Saleh, Sameh N. title = Understanding public perception of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social distancing on Twitter date = 2020-08-06 keywords = Twitter; social; tweet summary = CONCLUSIONS: Considering the positive sentiment, preponderance of objective tweets, and topics supporting coping mechanisms, we concluded that Twitter users generally supported social distancing in the early stages of their implementation. 18 We hypothesized that performing sentiment, emotion, and content analysis of tweets related to social distancing on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic could provide valuable insight into the public''s beliefs and opinions on this policy. We used Python''s TextBlob library 21 to perform sentiment analysis for all tweets through natural language processing and text analysis to identify and classify emotions (positive, negative, or neutral) and content topics. We analyzed Twitter activity around the 2 most common social distancing trending hashtags at the study time to understand emotions, sentiment polarity, subjectivity, and topics discussed related to this NPI. Performing sentiment, emotion, and content analysis of tweets provided valuable insight into the public''s beliefs and opinions on social distancing. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.406 id = cord-332207-dmxbk7ad author = Sastry, Sangeeta R. title = Universal screening for the SARS-CoV-2 virus on hospital admission in an area with low COVID-19 prevalence date = 2020-07-23 keywords = SARS summary = title: Universal screening for the SARS-CoV-2 virus on hospital admission in an area with low COVID-19 prevalence In 2 New York City (NYC) hospitals, 13.7% of asymptomatic pregnant women admitted for delivery tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus. 3 Universal screening of healthcare populations may prevent in-hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Upon developing real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) tests in-house with >98% sensitivity, as well as increasing the availability of PPE at our institution, we initiated universal screening of patients on hospital admission using nasopharyngeal swabs to identify and isolate asymptomatic positive patients to prevent in-hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2. On April 27, 2020, our 1,000-bed academic center instituted universal SARS-CoV-2 testing of patients on hospital admission. Universal screening for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 at our institution revealed that during the study period, the number of asymptomatic persons admitted to the hospital was relatively small. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.358 id = cord-331455-dfnn9mrf author = Shah, Aditya S. title = The utility of chest computed tomography (CT) and RT-PCR screening of asymptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 prior to semiurgent or urgent hospital procedures date = 2020-07-16 keywords = PCR summary = title: The utility of chest computed tomography (CT) and RT-PCR screening of asymptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 prior to semiurgent or urgent hospital procedures Here, we describe our experience and the results of implementing this safety project of screening and testing patients for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) prior to semiurgent or urgent hospital procedures using both CT chest imaging and RT-PCR testing. If the phone-screening questionnaire was entirely negative, the patient would undergo a SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab PCR 48 hours prior to the elective hospital procedure as well as CT imaging of the chest the day before the procedure. 17 Among asymptomatic patients on the Diamond Princess cruise ship who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR, CTs scan were negative for pulmonary opacities in 46% of cases, 18 although the prevalence of disease was relatively high in this cohort (~26%). doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.331 id = cord-341529-dmiy0l9c author = Siniscalchi, Antonio title = Could COVID-19 represent a negative prognostic factor in patients with stroke? date = 2020-04-20 keywords = COVID-19 summary = Thus, they may be a potential target of SARS-CoV-2, which might explain the death of olfactory cells in patients with COVID-19. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 through the cribriform plaque of the ethmoid bone during an initial or subsequent infection phase can lead to brain involvement. The presence of CoVs in the cerebral nervous system has been confirmed in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissues of patients during autopsies. In patients with stroke, the presence of COVID-19 could be a potential extrinsic factor in the genesis or worsening of stroke. [8] [9] [10] The onset or worsening of a stroke in these patients could be caused either by direct damage of the CoVs on the nervous system and/or by an activation of the mechanisms of COVID-19 inflammation induced as well coagulation disorders. As the disease spreads and new evidence emerges, we need to identify the existence of additional pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke in COVID-19 patients. Possible central nervous system infection by SARS coronavirus doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.146 id = cord-273500-u8m59f17 author = Slade, David H. title = Return to work during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Temperature screening is no panacea date = 2020-09-23 keywords = temperature summary = 1 Screening involves a designated individual asking symptom-related questions and performing a temperature check of employees as they enter the premises. Temperature screening can be performed in several ways: (1) home screening using commercial thermometers; (2) in person temperature measurement with noncontact infrared thermometers; and (3) automated noncontact thermal imaging cameras. Home screening is the most cost-effective option, but in practice employees cannot be relied upon to consistently and accurately measure and self report temperature. For in-person screening, noncontact infrared thermometers can be used at employee entrances, but the close contact required for measurement places both parties at risk of COVID-19 transmission. Measurements are frequently inaccurate due to inaccurate positioning of the thermometer relative to the examinee, and the cost of paying an hourly employee to perform screening is high and not feasible for after-hours access. On-site temperature screening is a high-cost, low-yield tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.1225 id = cord-324204-y8eckkyb author = Stevens, Michael P. title = Involving antimicrobial stewardship programs in COVID-19 response efforts: All hands on deck date = 2020-03-13 keywords = covid-19 summary = To the Editor-To our knowledge, no formal recommendations exist for the inclusion of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in disaster planning or emergency response preparedness efforts. The current SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 outbreak highlights numerous opportunities where ASPs can support emerging pathogen response and planning efforts. An informal Twitter poll was initiated on March 1, 2020, asking the infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship communities whether ASPs at their health systems had been involved in SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 outbreak response or preparation. 2 Response efforts to novel respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 represent an opportunity for programs to formally integrate, to develop crosscoverage capabilities, and to create shared leadership opportunities. ASPs can support SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 response efforts in numerous ways within the context of their normal daily activities. We recommend that hospital epidemiology programs strongly consider integrating their ASP colleagues into disaster preparedness plans as well as identify a more formal role for stewards in their operations beyond the current COVID-19 outbreak. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.69 id = cord-331227-s7lrzu99 author = Su, Ke title = How we mitigated and contained the COVID-19 outbreak in a hemodialysis center: Lessons and experience date = 2020-04-23 keywords = hemodialysis summary = Based on screening results and the Guidelines of the China National Health Commission (6th and 7th editions), personnel in our hemodialysis center can be classified into 5 groups: (1) confirmed cases: a person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection (COVID-19 nucleic acid testing positive), irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms; (2) suspected cases: patients who satisfy epidemiological and clinical criteria (fever or respiratory symptoms and typical CT imaging features) but without laboratory confirmation; (3) patients with clinical manifestations but who cannot be excluded from COVID-19 through CT imaging; (4) those who have had close contact with a confirmed case; and (5) non-COVID-19 patients. We distributed hemodialysis patients to different hemodialysis centers or hospitals according to the screening results as follows ( Fig. 1): (1) Hemodialysis patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection were required to be admitted to a negative pressure isolation ward of specified hospitals where only hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 were cared for. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.161 id = cord-354538-vqi67h6a author = Sydney, Elana R. title = Antibody evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers in the Bronx date = 2020-08-26 keywords = SARS summary = 5. What is the prevalence of antibodies in those healthcare workers with self-reported positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests? In total, 1,700 healthcare workers were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody between April 28 and May 4, 2020. We analyzed the data by looking at those healthcare workers that had positive antibodies and stratified it based on department, presence or absence of symptoms, and previously reported positive PCR. Notably, 12% of those who tested positive for the presence of IgG reported a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR result. As expected, 92% of individuals that reported a positive PCR test developed IgG antibodies. A small number of individuals, representing 1% of those reporting a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test prior to being tested, had a negative antibody test. 6 Our results reflect a higher overall rate of SARS-CoV-2 antibody development among healthcare workers in the Bronx compared to reported rates in NYC healthcare workers. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.437 id = cord-339903-5ybwxyc8 author = Tabary, Mohammadreza title = Dealing with skin reactions to gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic date = 2020-05-08 keywords = glove summary = 4 Plastic gloves, considered as hypoallergenic polyvinylchloride (PVC) gloves, are also used among HCWs. Contact allergic reaction to PVC has also been reported as a result of allergy to many additives used in these gloves, including carba mix, mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), thiuram mix, mixed dialkyl thioureas, and black rubber mix. Topical corticosteroids are considered as the best choice of treatment; however, patients should be advised to use other types of gloves, 5 although allergic contact dermatitis may coexist with immediate hypersensitivity to Latex. 6 Glove-related hand urticaria should also be considered as a differential diagnosis; it is caused by dermographism upon the application of the glove. Pain, burning, and pruritus in the affected area, and systemic symptoms such as fever are not present in glove-related hand urticaria. 8 Glove powder has been reported to cause allergic reactions, and hand eczema has been reported to decrease significantly after using powder-free gloves. Glove-related hand urticaria: an increasing occupational problem among healthcare workers doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.212 id = cord-288122-8hhtondh author = Tsuchida, Tomoya title = Development of a protective device for RT-PCR testing SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients date = 2020-04-13 keywords = Ball summary = title: Development of a protective device for RT-PCR testing SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients On March 14, 2020, we developed a protective box (product name, Star Ball Shield) to be used in patients with suspected COVID-19 during clinical examinations or performance of RT-PCR in collaboration with Star Ball Company, Kitakyushu City, Japan ( Figure 1 ). This shield liberates the HCWs from the need to don and doff PPE for each clinical examination. The Star Ball Shield is extremely helpful in the examination of patients with suspected COVID-19. The HCW wears PPE for examinations but does not need to change PPE for each patient. A Manual for sampling and transmission of specimens from patients with suspected 2019-nCoV (Novel coronavirus) We are grateful to Star Ball Company for collaborating in the development of the Star Ball Shield and for providing it to our hospital.Financial support. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.121 id = cord-285406-mlpqvshk author = Van Praet, Jens T. title = Prevention of nosocomial COVID-19: Another challenge of the pandemic date = 2020-04-23 keywords = COVID-19 summary = 2 The duration of infectivity is uncertain, with one study reporting that 90% of mild cases had a negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test by day 10. Because the hospitalization duration of these patients clearly exceeded the minimal incubation period, these infections were considered nosocomially acquired, transmitted by healthcare workers or external visitors. First, from the beginning of week 12, we screened all healthcare personnel with direct patient contact for cases of low-grade fever (>37.4°C) and acute developing or worsening respiratory symptoms and tested possible cases using nasopharyngeal swabs and real-time PCR. In these same weeks, the screening positivity rates of symptomatic healthcare workers in our hospital were 8.6% (6 out of 70), 31% (17 out of 54), 39% (16 out of 41) and 28% (16 out of 57), respectively and the numbers of patients diagnosed with probable nosocomial COVID-19 were 0, 4, 4, and 23, respectively. Of 31 probable nosocomial COVID-19 infections, 22 (71%) were observed at geriatric wards. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.166 id = cord-335932-0phqok4g author = Vanhems, Philippe title = Rapid nosocomial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a French geriatric unit date = 2020-03-30 keywords = SARS summary = title: Rapid nosocomial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a French geriatric unit Lyon Study Group on Covid19 infection (Geriatric sectionAlphabetic order): Adrait, A, Benoist F, Castel-Kremer E, Chuzeville M, Dupin AC, Doh S, Kim B, Favrelle L, Hilliquin D, Kanafer N, Marion E, Martin-Gaujard G, Moyenin Y, Paulet-Lafuma H, Ricanet A, Saadatian-Elahi M, Vanhems P. To the Editor-SARS-CoV2 nosocomial transmission has been reported among healthcare professionals and patients. The nasal swab previously collected was retested on March 6 and confirmed positive for SARS-CoV2 by RT-PCR. Strict infection control measures and close monitoring of suspected cases of patients and healthcare professionals were subsequently performed to contain the intraunit transmission of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. The rapid spread of nosocomial COVID-19 in this ward confirms the contagiousness of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings and the high mortality rates in this population. Rapid nosocomial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a French geriatric unit doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.99 id = cord-278130-x83kl052 author = Wander, Pandora L. title = Risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness in healthcare workers: Too many unknowns date = 2020-04-27 keywords = COVID-19 summary = We agree with the recommendations of Zhou et al including the importance of increasing production of personal protection equipment (PPE), training HCWs in proper use, and maintaining a high clinical suspicion for COVID-19 even in patients without respiratory symptoms. Characteristics of and important lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China: summary of a report of 72,314 cases from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention The epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) in China Clinical characteristics of 138 hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in Wuhan, China Air, surface environmental, and personal protective equipment contamination by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a symptomatic patient Viral shedding patterns of coronavirus in patients with probable severe acute respiratory syndrome doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.178 id = cord-252149-0n58lec6 author = Wang, Jiancong title = To relax restrictions: Are communities ready to deal with repeated epidemic waves of COVID-19? date = 2020-05-11 keywords = COVID-19 summary = In China, resumption of works and production, reopening shops and restaurants, and even relaxation of travel restrictions have restored hope for virus-ravaged economies around the world. 7 The National Health Commission of the People''s Republic of China strengthened and implemented various measures and/or policies in the face of another potential epidemic wave. 9 Various measures (eg, travel history declaration, health epidemiological survey, temperature measurement, and rapid screening at airports) were conducted to efficiently detect suspected cases. A green barcode indicated that a person was at low risk of having COVID-19 and/or transmitting SARS-CoV-2 and had been given approval for a "health permit" that allowed to access workplaces, shops, and restaurants (Supplementary Material Fig. 1 online) . A red barcode indicated that a person was at high risk of having COVID-19 and/or transmitting SARS-CoV-2 and that he or she would be contacted by the local health authorities for mandatory quarantine measures (by law) and medical observation. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.228 id = cord-315585-bjij8ds7 author = Wee, Liang En title = Respiratory surveillance wards as a strategy to reduce nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 through early detection: The experience of a tertiary-care hospital in Singapore date = 2020-05-08 keywords = COVID-19; RSW; SARS summary = METHODS: Over a 6-week period during a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, our institution introduced a "respiratory surveillance ward" (RSW) to segregate all patients with respiratory symptoms in designated areas, where appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) could be utilized until SARS-CoV-2 testing was done. 15 Here, we report our experience with a novel concept, a respiratory surveillance ward (RSW), which was introduced as a strategy for admission, triage and disposition of patients presenting with respiratory syndromes during a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Respiratory surveillance wards (RSWs): Admissions criteria, layout, infection control, and transfer criteria At our institution, high-risk patients that fulfilled suspect case criteria for COVID-19 were admitted to an isolation ward with 37 negative-pressure rooms. During an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 with local transmission, an RSW to cohort all inpatients admitted from the community with respiratory symptoms may enhance case detection and reduce the potential of nosocomial transmission. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.207 id = cord-318766-vx0dnnxh author = Wendt, Ralph title = Comprehensive investigation of an in-hospital transmission cluster of a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2–positive physician among patients and healthcare workers in Germany date = 2020-06-03 keywords = Germany; SARS summary = title: Comprehensive investigation of an in-hospital transmission cluster of a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2–positive physician among patients and healthcare workers in Germany We investigated potential transmissions of a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2–positive physician in a tertiary-care hospital who worked for 15 cumulative hours without wearing a face mask. We tested all 254 potential contacts of the symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive index physician, including 67 patients, and 187 nurses and doctors, technical and medical assistants, and other healthcare staff, on day 5 after the exposure by specific RT-PCR from nose and throat swabs or pharyngeal lavage, irrespective of reported symptoms. We tested a large number of possible contact persons of a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected physician among HCWs and patients on day 5 after exposure; all were negative. 6 For further analysis and confirmation of our results, we investigated the serum of all high-risk contacts (n = 23) on days 15 or 16 and 22 or 23 for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.268 id = cord-273675-0oiq44gl author = Wu, Di title = To alert coinfection of COVID-19 and dengue virus in developing countries in the dengue-endemic area date = 2020-05-04 keywords = SARS summary = At the meantime, dengue was endemic in the Southeast Asia and South America, and a part of the patients shared the same symptoms, so, we write this paper to alert the clinicians to distinguish these two diseases. 1 Gabriel Yan et al 2 reported 2 cases of COVID-19 patients coinfected with dengue fever in Singapore. Joob et al 3 also reported a patient coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus in Thailand. These 3 cases raise concern that patients with fever can be infected with both SARS-CoV-2 and dengue at the same time in dengue-endemic areas such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia in Southeast Asia and Brazil in South America. Some patients present only with fever when infected with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, measures should be taken to distinguish patients with fever and headache from dengue fever and COVID-19, and these atypical symptoms should trigger alerts, especially in developing countries with a high incidence of dengue fever, as in Southeast Asia and South American. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.187 id = cord-275765-58iul47s author = Yao, Wenlong title = Critical role of Wuhan cabin hospitals in controlling the local COVID-19 pandemic date = 2020-04-22 keywords = Wuhan summary = Here, we evaluate the role of cabin hospitals in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic by retrospectively analyzing the correlation between available beds in cabin hospitals and epidemic data. We obtained the data regarding total daily beds available in cabin hospitals from the official website of the Wuhan municipal government, and we extracted daily numbers of newly diagnosed cases, newly cured cases, and new deaths, and we calculated the overall recovery rate and mortality from COVID-19 in Wuhan from the official website of the National Health Commission of the People''s Republic of China. The official government website reported a total of 28 designated hospitals with 8,254 beds for COVID-19 patients in Wuhan before February 4, 2020. Our analysis showed that, with the increase of available beds by cabin hospitals, the newly diagnosed cases and severe cases decreased. The relationships between total beds of cabin hospitals and epidemic data of COVID-19 in Wuhan. doi = 10.1017/ice.2020.167