key: cord-261180-w62mynqb
authors: Ling, L.; Wong, W. T.; Wan, W. T. P.; Choi, G.; Joynt, G. M.
title: Infection control in non‐clinical areas during the COVID‐19 pandemic
date: 2020-04-19
journal: Anaesthesia
DOI: 10.1111/anae.15075
sha: 
doc_id: 261180
cord_uid: w62mynqb

Large numbers of healthcare workers have acquired coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the workplace [1]. SARS-CoV-2 is easily transmissible as each person with COVID-19 infects approximately 2.2 close contacts, and asymptomatic transmission has been reported [2,3]. SARS-CoV-2 survives in aerosols and on surfaces from hours to days, respectively [4]. Therefore, we believe non-clinical areas are potentially high-risk for transmission between healthcare workers, and often neglected by infection prevention and control protocols. To alert others to this risk and how it may be reduced, we describe our non-clinical workplace infection prevention and control measures that have been modified from those originally developed during the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic [5].

protocols. To alert others to this risk and how it may be reduced, we describe our non-clinical workplace infection prevention and control measures that have been modified from those originally developed during the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic [5] .

Alcohol hand rub dispensers are placed in each office, changing room, department entrance, computer terminal and communal area. Infographics are displayed on walls as reminders to perform hand hygiene when entering offices, after contact with respiratory secretions, before and after eating or drinking, and donning and doffing of masks.

Keyboards and doorway keypads are wrapped in transparent covers and cleaned regularly. Social distancing of 1.5 m between colleagues, by using wall mounted rulers, is encouraged.

We recommend wearing surgical masks, even in nonclinical areas. Designated bins for mask disposal are placed in communal areas. Re-use of masks is facilitated by provision of paper bags for temporary storage (Fig. 1 ).

Healthcare staff are given two surgical masks daily to ensure appropriate protection during journeys to and from the hospital.

When eating or drinking, healthcare workers are encouraged to maintain distance and avoid facing one and other during meal times. After the first week, we modified communal areas by installing Perspex â dividers that provide a physical barrier but still facilitate a sense of community (Fig. 1 ). All partitions, water fountains, tables and common areas are cleaned with 1000 parts per million Actichlor TM cloths (Ecolab, Phnom Pehn, Cambodia) at regular intervals, and by individuals before and after use. All bins have tight fitting lids operated by foot pedals and are emptied before they reach full capacity. 

Clinical characteristics of 138 hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in Wuhan

Early transmission dynamics in Wuhan, China, of novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia

Asymptomatic cases in a family cluster with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 as compared with SARS-CoV-1

Transmission of SARS to healthcare workers. The experience of a Hong Kong ICU