Newswise — With 15 COVID-19 cases now reported in the U.S. and continued transmission likely, health care professionals including physician anesthesiologists are taking steps to increase infection control measures at health care facilities and hospitals nationwide. These steps are even more urgent in light of news that more than 1,700 health care workers in Asia, including a physician anesthesiologist, have been infected.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) Committee on Occupational Health has issued infection control recommendations for health care professionals to ensure their safety while providing lifesaving care for their patients.
Richard Beers, M.D., chair, ASA Committee on Occupational Health, led the development of the recommendations incorporating his experience during the global SARS outbreak of 2003. He is available to discuss:
- How health care providers can protect themselves when entering an infected patient’s room
- The transport process for patients with the virus
- Surgery/anesthesia planning and procedures for the virus