Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

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Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO AN INCREASED DEMAND IN PROTECTIVE P2 AND N95 PARTICULATE MASKS, STOCK IS CURRENTLY LIMITED

Global health officials are monitoring an outbreak of coronavirus, a potentially fatal respiratory infection initially reported in China, with cases now confirmed in several other countries including Australia. The disease has infected several thousand people and caused numerous deaths.

As leaders in infection and contamination control, we can supply products that meet the requirements published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization. We strongly encourage you to follow the guidelines published by these organizations:

CDC Coronavirus guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
WHO guidelines: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

2019-nCoV is zoonotic, but the animal source has not yet been identified. Human-to-human transmission can occur through droplets or contact. Human-to-human tranmission may occur due to breaches in Infection Protection & Control practices. Thus, a central focus of any prevention/control strategy is protecting healthcare workers with appropriate Infection Protection & Control supplies. WHO has created a Disease Commodity Package for Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) which provides guidelines on critical medical supplies and consumables and their related technical specifications. Below are their recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE):

Gloves (Examination)

Gloves, examination, nitrile, powder-free, non-sterile. Cuff length preferably reach mid-forearm. (eg. minimum 280mm total length). Gloves should have long cuffs, reaching well above the wrist, ideally to mid-forearm.

EU standard directive 93/42/EEC Class I, EN 455,
EU standard directive 89/686/EEC Category III, EN 374,
ANSI/ISEA 105-2011,
ASTM D6319-10
or equivalent

Face shield

Made of clear plastic and provides good visibility to both the wearer and the patient, Adjustable band to attach firmly around the head and fit snuggly against the forehead, Fog resistant (preferable), Completely cover the sides and length of the face, May be re-usable (made of robust material which can be cleaned and disinfected) or disposable.

EU standard directive 86/686/EEC, EN 166/2002,
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, or equivalent

or Goggles (Protective)

Good seal with the skin of the face, Flexible PVC frame to easily fit with all face contours with even pressure, Enclose eyes and the surrounding areas, Accommodate wearers with prescription glasses, Clear plastic lens with fog and scratch resistant treatments, Adjustable band to secure firmly so as not to become loose during clinical activity, Indirect venting to avoid fogging, May be re-usable (provided appropriate arrangements for decontamination are in place) or disposable.

EU standard directive 86/686/EEC, EN 166/2002,
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010, or equivalent

Mask (Surgical)

Medical/surgical mask, high fluid resistance, good breathability, internal and external faces should be clearly identified, structured design that does not collapse against the mouth (e.g. duckbill, cupshaped), or (or P2 respirator (N95 mask) where available).

EN 14683 Type IIR performance
ASTM F2100 level 2 or level 3 or equivalent;
Fluid resistance at minimum 120 mmHg pressure based on ASTM F1862-07, ISO 22609, or equivalent
Breathability: MIL–M-36945C, EN 14683 annex C, or equivalent
Filtration efficiency: ASTM F2101, EN14683 annex B, or equivalent

Gown

Single use, fluid resistant, disposable, long sleeve, length mid-calf to cover the top of the boots, light colours preferable to better detect possible contamination, thumb/finger loops or elastic cuff to anchor sleeves in place.

Option 1: fluid penetration resistant: EN 13795 high performance, or AAMI PB70 level 3 performance or above, or equivalent
Option 2: blood borne pathogens penetration resistant: AAMI PB70 level 4 performance, or (EN 14126-B) and partial body protection ( EN 13034 or EN 14605), or equivalent

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT: PPE for at-risk Health Care Facilities

In addition to above, the following PPE is recommended for clinicians taking care of hospitalised adult and paediatric patients with when 2019-nCoV infection is suspected.