A situational review of comprehensive infection prevention and control guidelines aimed at preventing the nosocomial spread of COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world drastically by disrupting normal routines in society and healthcare facilities are no exception. Irrespective of a nation’s socio-economic background, healthcare facilities are facing issues with shortage of skilled health workforce, personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of oxygen supplies, and adherence to multiple changes in infection prevention and control practices. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is leading to greater challenges for infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings. Since the transmission can occur through droplets, fomites, airborne routes and from individuals who are asymptomatic or from individuals in the incubation phase, the likelihood of spread of infection among the health care workers where there is close contact with infected individuals makes it very challenging. With guidelines being continuously updated as knowledge rapidly evolves and measures being taken even as there is unprecedented demand on healthcare facilities, the authors felt the need to review and draw inferences from the relevant guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), International Health Organisations and respective Health Ministries, which might serve to refresh and bring about better awareness among the health care workers and patients on tackling the nosocomial spread of COVID-19 and also highlight how the response to COVID-19 can in general help improve infection control practices and prevent nosocomial infection spread in healthcare settings in subsequent waves.