Anesthesia Precautions in Patients with Suspected Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection

With the remarkable speed that this new Coronavirus is spreading across the globe, anesthesiologists, anesthesia nurses, PACU nurses and other members of the anesthesia team shouldn't fall back on taking the utmost precautions with the patients they encounter on a daily. As healthcare providers, we are urged to be as informed and as readily equipped to face this pandemic that is taking over.

From preop evaluation to airway manipulation once sedated one should take all measures to avoid contracting the virus or contaminating the surrounding environment.

With the emerging evidence that a person can be a carrier of the virus and still be asymptomatic one should approach their patients wisely.

I found this concise Recommendation sheet from the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, with clear messages on which PPE to adopt and minor details to pay attention to perioperatively.

Stay informed, Stay safe and Fight Coronavirus!