Frontline healthcare personnel should be prepared to evaluate patients for novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The following checklist highlights key steps for healthcare personnel in preparation for arrival of patients potentially infected with 2019-nCoV.
- Stay up to date on the latest information about signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing, and case definitions for 2019-nCoV disease.
- Review your infection prevention and control policies for:
- Assessment of patients with acute respiratory symptoms
- Implementation of Standard, Contact, and Airborne Precautions, including the use of eye protection
- Source control measures for patients (e.g., put facemask on suspect patients)
- Requirements for performing aerosol generating procedures
- Be alert for patients who meet the persons under investigation (PUI) definition
- Know how to report a potential 2019-nCoV case or exposure to public health officials
- Know who, when, and how to seek evaluation by occupational health following an unprotected exposure (i.e., not wearing recommended PPE) to a suspected or confirmed nCoV patient
- Remain at home, and notify occupational health services, if you are ill
- Know how to contact and receive information from your provincial or local public health agency
