-Dr Abhishek Neupane
Based on International health regulation authorities, following precautions are recommended for health workers against the current COVID-19 pandemic:
1. Carry no belts and wallets (not possible to clean them effectively).
2. No cash/coins if unless impossible- only contactless bank cards (to avoid contact infection).
3: Use mobile phone as less often as possible (especially during ward rounds) and sanitize it before leaving for home.
4. Before going home at the end of the shift: place pen, stethoscope and hospital notes if any in a plastic resealable bag after cleaning them with alcohol 70%. Leave them in hospital if possible.
5. ‘Bare below elbows’ in hospital (fold sleeves up to elbows)to prevent cross infection.
6.Clean hands from elbow below, with soap and water just before leaving the ward and try not to touch any surfaces until you leave the main hospital gate.
7. Use some cheap or old shoes if possible while going to hospital and throw them away when the pandemic is over.
8. Clean stethoscope with 70% alcohol each time after examining a patient.
9. Use stethoscope only if it changes the diagnosis
10. Stand 1-2 metres away from patients during ward rounds.
11. When getting close to patient during examination or taking blood samples or any intervention – use the best possible PPE (FF2 mask at least or surgical mask + full face visor, both with full sleeve apron)and ask the patient to turn his face away from you and use tissue to cover his mouth and nose or let him use a face mask.
12. Clean mobile phone with 70% alcohol at least once before leaving the ward and going home.
13. Clean spectacles with 70% alcohol at the end of the shift before going home(be careful as it may leave stains on glasses).
14. Frequently clean the computer keyboard and mouse with 70% alcohol as many people use them.
15. As soon as entering home: Leave shoes at the main door. Don’t go inside the house with hospital shoes. Then wash hands with soap and water, go in to your room and change dress.
16. Try to maintain some distance even at home with other family members.
17. Frequent shower and change dress more frequently.
18. Use separate towel, plate and glass at home throughout this Covid period.
19. Maintain strict social distancing from elderly people at home as they are at very high risk of death if they contract infection.
20. As soon as any suspected symptoms develop, stay at home and inform the hospital authorities.
21. Try to quit smoking as the local lung immunity is less in current smokers and also risk of contracting infection while holding cigarette.
22. Strict control of diabetes as poor control carries a higher risk of death due to infection.
23. If PPE is not provided by the hospital, better buy yourself to save yourself.