COVID-19 Update: Transmission via Respiratory Droplet

Update: March 4, 2020

Based on the available evidence, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection, is transmitted via respiratory droplets between people in close contact, not by airborne transmission.

It is now recommended that healthcare providers:

• Use standard, contact, and droplet precautions with eye protection for suspect or confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Use gowns, gloves, respirators (such as N95 mask) and eye protection (goggles or face shield) when performing aerosol-generating procedures (e.g., tracheal intubation, non-invasive ventilation, tracheostomy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, manual ventilation before intubation, bronchoscopy).
• Due to the change in transmission-based precautions from airborne to droplet, it is not necessary to place a suspect patient in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR). A private room with a closed-door is acceptable. Using an AIIR for aerosol-generating procedures is still recommended.

Be sure to follow the guidelines of your institution. I wanted to keep you up to date on the latest information. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and stay well!

Kim