Infection Prevention and Control of COVID-19

Abstract

Based on the findings obtained so far, this article explains the infection prevention and control for COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, central China at the end of 2019. To prevent COVID-19 infection, it is important to thoroughly implement droplet- and contact prevention measures. COVID-19 patients are infectious even before the onset of illness, and it is difficult to completely prevent transmission by symptom-based infection prevention measures. In addition to hand hygiene, universal masking and constant eye protection during work are required to prevent occupational infection in healthcare workers. While performing medical procedures that generate aerosols such as tracheal intubation and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, we need to pay attention to indoor ventilation and respiratory protection using either N95 respirators or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). In the COVID-19 molecular diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the number of days after exposure should be taken into consideration. During the seasonal influenza epidemic, it is necessary to recognize the timing difference between onset and fever. We also need to provide medical care to cases, including cases of combined influenza and COVID-19 infections.