/ en Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:42:36 -0500 Mon, 27 Sep 21 16:48:04 -0500 /project-firstline/blog <h2>Environmental Services (EVS) leaders and staff plays an essential role in providing a clean and safe environment for all through infection prevention and control practices.  </h2> <p> </p> <p>As the front line of the health care infection prevention and control (IP&C) team, environmental services (EVS) plays an essential role in the fight against the spread of infection - one that creates a cleaner, healthier and safer environment for patients, visitors and fellow health care workers.  <br />   <br /> EVS teams are exposed to environments where health care associated infections can spread rapidly if proper cleanliness and disinfection protocols are not enforced rigorously and continuously.  For this reason, EVS plays a critical role in ensuring proper protocols and best practices are implemented to prevent the spread of infection across all health care settings.   <br />   <br /> The <a href="https://www.aha.org/2020-01-22-updates-and-resources-novel-coronavirus-2019-cov">COVID-19 pandemic</a> has highlighted opportunities to improve upon infection prevention and control knowledge and training in health care settings nationwide. It has also underscored that implementing a multidisciplinary approach to infection control can be powerful, including EVS staff, who are on the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/prevent/environment/surfaces.html">frontline of infection prevention</a> each day. <br />   <br /> The <a href="https://www.aha.org/">91��������</a> (AHA), in collaboration with the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE), is making an effort to highlight the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach towards infection prevention and control through its participation in Project Firstline. Project Firstline is a national training collaborative led by the Centers for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/">Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC) that aims to provide effective health care infection control training for millions of frontline U.S healthcare workers and members of the public health workforce in the fight against infectious disease threats.   <br />   <br /> As a key partner in this initiative, AHA is offering hospitals and health systems the tools and resources needed to engage all stakeholders in the fight against infectious diseases through an all-team approach from bedside nurses to administrators to environmental staff.  The AHA, in collaboration with AHE, has released a new set of infographics to support frontline health care environmental services personnel with important COVID-19 considerations for cleaning and disinfection, management of medical waste, and general precautions when performing discharge or transfer cleaning.  The AHA also released a <a href="https://www.aha.org/center/project-firstline/teamstepps-video-toolkit">TeamSTEPPS® Video Toolkit</a>, a collection of short videos that aim to transform health care teams by using a proven, evidence-based approach to bringing efficiency to stronger team communication, collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach across health care teams to support effective infection prevention and control.   <br />  <br /> These resources along with other Project Firstline offerings can be found on the <a href="https://www.aha.org/center/project-firstline">AHA’s Project Firstline webpage </a>. Stay tuned for the release of new resources that will further support the IPC-related needs of EVS personnel and health care engineers.   </p> Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:48:04 -0500 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) /education-events/covid-19-update-variants-and-virus-mutation <p>As the state of the pandemic continues to change, new terms and ideas are constantly being thrown at us. With news of variants, vaccines, and more coming every day, it can be overwhelming to think about, let alone process your role in, contributing to a safer next few months.<br> <br> In this webinar, Dr. Rodney E. Rohde will provide an update on COVID-19, its variants, and vaccination. By attending, you’ll gain an understanding of the factors associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus variants, including what’s so unique about this virus that multiple variants seem to easily proliferate. You will also assess where we currently stand with the COVID-19 pandemic and what the next few months could look like. The continued uncertainty of our environment can be unsettling, but the knowledge provided in this session will help make it more manageable. <br>  </p> <hr> <p><img alt="Rohde" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4366135d-7202-49b4-a2f1-5682ec59e3f1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/R_Rohde.jpg" width="163" height="162"></p> <p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SV/SM/MB(ASCP)</p> <p>Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SV/SM/MB(ASCP)CM received his Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) and Masters (Biology, emphasis in Virology) degrees from Texas State University.  Dr. Rohde received his PhD in 2010, focusing on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).</p> <p><br> Dr. Rohde is the Program Chair for the CLS Program, and holds the rank of Professor in the College of Health Professions.  He also serves as Associate Dean for Research for the College of Health Professions.  Dr. Rohde is also a clinical assistant professor (joint appointment) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Laboratory Sciences & Primary Care, Clinical Laboratory Science Program.  Additionally, Dr. Rohde continues to enjoy being an adjunct associate professor of biology in the nursing program for Austin Community College. He holds certifications as a Specialist in Virology, Specialist in Microbiology, and Molecular Biologist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology.</p> <p>Dr. Rohde spent a decade as a public health microbiologist and molecular epidemiologist with the Texas Department of State Health Services Bureau of Laboratories and Zoonosis Control Division prior to his academic career. Dr. Rohde is a member in the prestigious Alpha Mu Tau Fraternity (AMTF) and was named a CLS Distinguished Author, along with his colleagues. In 2007 he received the ASCLS Scientific Research Award, and again in 2014 for his work with MRSA and rabies, respectively.<br>  </p> Wed, 14 Apr 2021 07:26:20 -0500 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) /association-health-care-environment-launch-covid-19-response-elearning-certificate-program-health <p>August 31, 2020 | <strong>Format:</strong> News Release</p><hr><p><strong>CHICAGO, August 31, 2020 </strong>– </p><p>As the recognized authority in health care environmental services, and as a professional membership group of the 91��������, the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) has developed two eLearning certificate programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>91��������has developed and curated a wide portfolio of complementary <a href="/covid-19-resources-evs-professionals">resources</a> for members and the environmental services community at large in response to COVID-19, and will release the <em><strong>Pathways to Clean </strong></em><strong>certificate program</strong> in late September. In addition, 91��������today released the <a href="/ahe-ready-set-clean-certificate-program"><em><strong>Ready. Set. Clean. </strong></em><strong>certificate program</strong></a> in response to an outpouring of inquiries from the hospitality industry looking for the resources necessary to educate and train their frontline staff to achieve hygienically clean and safe guest spaces that contribute to combating COVID-19, and that reaffirm customer confidence.</p><p>The <em><strong>Pathways to Clean </strong></em><strong>certificate program</strong> and the <a href="/ahe-ready-set-clean-certificate-program"><em><strong>Ready. Set. Clean. </strong></em><strong>certificate program</strong></a> will both include webinars, presentations and checklists related to COVID-19, infection prevention strategies, cleaning, disinfection, sanitation, emerging pathogens, and preparedness for biological events. Facilities that complete the programs’ trainings will earn a certificate of completion and gain access to the <strong>communications toolkit </strong>to make their accomplishment known, affirm their commitment to hospital caliber clean, and assure guests that their facility is hygienically clean and safe.</p><p>This content was made possible in part by generous sponsorships from Kimberly-Clark Professional, Tork, Cintas, and Rubbermaid.</p><p>The Ready. Set. Clean. certificate program delivers evidence-based health care caliber cleaning best practices customized for the hospitality industry, and is currently available for purchase. <br> </p><hr><p><strong>91�������� AHE</strong><br>The Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) is a Professional Membership Group of the 91��������. 91��������is the professional organization of choice for professionals responsible for caring for the patient and resident care environment across all care settings; including hospitals, long term care, continuing care retirement communities and ambulatory care. 91��������shapes professional practice, advances and promotes the profession and promotes awareness for over 2,300 professionals working to ensure a clean and safe health care environment and quality outcomes.  www.ahe.org</p> Fri, 28 Aug 2020 09:36:16 -0500 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) /education-events/health-care-environmental-services-response-covid-19-challenges-continuing <p>91��������would like to continue the open dialogue centered on environmental services leaders challenges and responses to COVID-19. This discussion, once again moderated by Patti Costello, AHE’s executive director, provides you an opportunity to share additional and continued challenges and obstacles, hear from peers, and discuss the various approaches and innovative solutions you are taking to combat COVID-19. As you discuss the latest lessons learned and changes in practice, the conversation will also focus on EVS technicians’ concerns about cleaning in COVID rooms, and will conclude with strategies for planning for a fall surge and additional waves.</p> <hr> <h4><strong>Panelists</strong></h4> <p><img alt="Ruth Carrico" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10229107-af56-4ee8-ba8d-5c671f3dc9e2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Carrico_Ruth_150.png" width="150" height="150" class="align-left"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, CIC, FSHEA, FNAP</strong></p> <p><em>Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases</em></p> <p><em>University of Louisville School of Medicine</em></p> <p><img alt="Rodney Fox" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d175263c-44b6-4627-ac33-083e1fb86a22" height="212" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fox_Rodney.jpg" width="155"></p> <p><strong>Rodney Fox</strong></p> <p><em>Senior Director of Development - EVS, Pt. Food</em></p> <p><em>University of Chicago Medicine</em></p> <p><img alt="Rock Jensen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c379fc11-70e1-45f9-b7a7-28f3abb6583b" height="194" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jensen_Rock.jpg" width="175"></p> <p><strong>Rock Jensen</strong></p> <p><em>91��������President Elect</em></p> <p><em>Admin Director of Support Services and Operations</em></p> <p><em>Yuma Regional Medical Center</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Moderator</strong></p> <p><img alt="Patti Costello" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58acdb6c-6083-4583-9d34-27d03e2af276" height="194" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Costello_Patti.jpg" width="157" class="align-left"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Patti Costello, MT-CHEST, MT-CSCT</strong></p> <p><em>Executive Director</em></p> <p><em>Association for the Health Care Environment</em></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> Wed, 24 Jun 2020 13:24:56 -0500 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) /covid-19-resources-evs-professionals <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6"> <div class="panel panel-default"> <div class="panel-heading" id="heading1" role="tab"> <h5 class="panel-title"><a aria-controls="item1" aria-expanded="false" class="collapsed" data-parent="#accordion" data-target="#example1" data-toggle="collapse" role="button">Page Updates <strong>+</strong></a></h5> </div> <div aria-expanded="false" aria-labelledby="heading1" class="panel-collapse collapse" id="example1" role="tabpanel"> <div class="panel-body"> <div> <p><strong>Last Updated</strong> 5/29/2020 |Thermometers to States | Reopening information. | Hurricane Season Preparation.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Last Updated</strong> 4/30/2020 | COVID-19 EVS Cleaning Essentials Refresher Training Toolkit. | Airborne Precautions Infographic. | EVS Considerations Infographic.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Last Updated</strong> 4/13/2020 | List of Personal Protective Equipment FDA Emergency Use Authorizations. | Medical Waste Infographic.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 4/08/2020 | FDA Approves System for Decontaminating N95 Respirators link and file. Medical waste content. Staffing content.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 4/01/2020 | Decontamination and Reuse of Filtering Facepiece Respirators using Contingency and Crisis Capacity Strategies link |Determining Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) in the Field video.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 3/30/2020 | Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency | FDA resource links.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 3/27/2020 | EPA List N Infographic.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 3/26/2020 | Preparedness links.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 3/25/2020 | PPE, Cleaning and Disinfecting,Isolation Rooms links.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 3/23/2020 | COVID-19 resources: General resource links. | Guidance for Retirement Communities and Independent Living links.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 2/20/2020 | Updated Advisory 91��������2019 Novel Coronavirus released.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 1/29/2020 | 91��������2019 Novel Coronavirus Advisory released.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>Note: You must login to view members-only content.</p> <h2><strong>Training</strong></h2> </div> </div> <p> </p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Project Firstline:</strong> To stop the spread of infectious disease threats—including COVID-19—anyone working in a health care facility needs a foundational knowledge of infection control and must understand and be ready to implement infection control protocols and procedures throughout their work day, including during every patient care activity and health care interaction. </p> <p>CDC’s Project Firstline is a collaborative of diverse health care and public health partners that have come together to make that happen.<br /> <a href="/project-firstline">Learn More</a></p> </li> <li><strong>PATHWAYS TO CLEAN –  eLearning Bundle certificate program:</strong> Turnkey cleaning and disinfection solutions for outbreak and pandemic surge response.<br /> <a href="/pathways-clean">Access eLearning Bundle</a></li> <li><strong>Ready. Set. Clean. Hospitality eLearning Bundle certificate program:</strong> Turnkey cleaning and disinfection solutions for outbreak and pandemic surge response for a hospitality setting.<br /> <a href="/ahe-ready-set-clean-certificate-program">Access eLearning Bundle</a></li> <li><strong>COVID-19 EVS Cleaning Essentials Refresher Training Toolkit</strong><br /> <a href="/covid-19-evs-cleaning-essentials-refresher-training-toolkit" hreflang="en">Download Now</a><em> (members-only)</em></li> </ul> <hr /> <h2>Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know</h2> <p>The United States has named <a href="https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/about-list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19-0">Omicron</a> a Variant of Concern in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 by visiting the CDC's <a href="https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/about-list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19-0">COVID-19 website</a>.</p> <hr /> <h2>Vaccine Considerations</h2> <p>Strategies are needed for healthcare facilities to appropriately evaluate and manage post-vaccination signs and symptoms among healthcare personnel. These considerations are based on the current understanding of signs and symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination, including timing and duration, and might change as experience with the vaccine accumulates. </p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/post-vaccine-considerations-healthcare-personnel.html">Post Vaccine Considerations for Healthcare Personnel</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <h2>Well Being and Self Care</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://hcpselfcare.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/interaction_html5.html">Health Care Professional Self Care</a></li> <li><a href="https://designlabstorage.z22.web.core.windows.net/publish/$account/$272/coping/keep_your_cool/index.html">Regulating Emotions</a></li> <li><a href="https://designlabstorage.z22.web.core.windows.net/publish/$account/$272/coping/treat_yourself/index.html">Treat Yourself</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Special Message:</strong> After months on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental service professionals have served as a source of comfort for patients not able to see loved ones, while maintaining rooms to the highest standards of cleanliness. EVS personnel are heroes deserving of recognition, but never forget they are human, too, and also may need care.</p> <p><br /> <strong>To support these health defenders, AHA has a number of behavioral health resources, including a page dedicated to <a href="https://www.aha.org/behavioralhealth/covid-19-stress-and-coping-resources">COVID-19: Stress and Coping Resources</a>.</strong></p> <hr /> <h2><strong>Webinar Series</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>COVID-19 Challenges for Health Care Environmental Services: Open Forum Part 3, August 18th,<br /> 12:00pm CST</strong><br /> <a href="/education-events/covid-19-challenges-health-care-environmental-services-open-forum-part-3">Register</a></li> <li><strong>Solution Sharing Open Forum: Health Care Environmental Services’ Response to COVID-19 Challenges –Continuing the Conversation</strong><br />  <a href="/education-events/health-care-environmental-services-response-covid-19-challenges-continuing">View On Demand</a></li> <li><strong>Solution Sharing Open Forum: Health Care Environmental Services’ Response to COVID-19 Challenges</strong><br />  <a href="/education-events/solution-sharing-open-forum-health-care-environmental-services-response-covid-19">View On Demand</a></li> <li><strong>Post COVID-19: Transitioning Environmental Services to a New Normal</strong><br /> <a href="/education-events/post-covid-19-transitioning-environmental-services-new-normal">View On Demand</a><br /> <strong>Coronavirus Update, Part II: Health Care Professional Preparedness and Response to COVID-19</strong>, with Dr. Michael Bell, Deputy Director, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Members-only webinar.<br /> <a href="/education-events/coronavirus-update-part-ii-health-care-professional-preparedness-and-response">View On Demand</a></li> <li><strong>Coronavirus Update—What Health Care Professionals Need to Know to Prepare for COVID-19</strong>,<strong> </strong>with Dr. Michael Bell, Deputy Director, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Members-only webinar. <br /> <a href="/education-events/coronavirus-update-what-health-care-professionals-need-know-prepare-covid-19">View On Demand </a>| <a href="/system/files/media/file/2020/03/COVID_19_Dr._Bell_Webinar_FAQs.pdf">Download Post Webinar FAQs</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <h2><strong>Infographics</strong></h2> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2020/04/EVS_Considerations_Infographic.pdf" role="button">EVS Considerations</a> <a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2020/04/Airborne_Precautions_Infographic.pdf" role="button">Airborne Precautions</a> <a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2020/04/AHE_COVID-19_Medical_Waste_Infographic.pdf" role="button">Medical Waste</a></p> <hr /> <h2><strong>Preparedness</strong></h2> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html" role="button">Healthcare Professionals: FAQs</a></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/global-covid-19/make-handwashing-solution.html">Making Handwashing Solution for Use in Global. Low-Resource Settings</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/hcp-hospital-checklist.html">Comprehensive Hospital Preparedness Checklist for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/188203">Hurricane Season Preparations</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <h2>Reopening</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2020/05/26/distribution-infrared-thermometers">Thermometers to States</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/using-transportation.html">Protecting Yourself While Using Transportation</a></li> </ul> <h3>Cleaning and Disinfection Information</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html">Cleaning and Disinfection for Households </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html">Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <h2>Personal Protective Equipment</h2> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2020/04/Personal_Protective_Equipment.pdf" role="button">PPE Information</a></p> <p><strong>FDA Reissues EUA for Certain Disposable FFRs</strong><br /> The FDA reissued the emergency use authorization (EUA) for imported, non-NIOSH-approved, disposable filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) manufactured in countries other than China. The FDA revised and reissued this EUA to authorize for emergency use only those respirators listed in the EUA’s Exhibit The agency also announced that no new respirator models will be added to Exhibit 1. <a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-euas">Read the EUA notice, including Exhibit 1</a>. </p> <ul> <li><a href="https://files.asprtracie.hhs.gov/documents/fema-fact-sheet-ppe-preservation-best-practices-update---14-july-2020.pdf">PPE Preservation Best Practices</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/using-ppe.html">Updated Proper PPE Use</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-faq.html">General FAQ’s on PPE</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/PPE-Sequence-508.pdf">CDC Sequence for Donning and Doffing PPE</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html">What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn by environmental services (EVS) personnel who clean and disinfect rooms of hospitalized patients with COVID-19?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/emergency-use-authorizations#covid19ppe">List of Personal Protective Equipment  FDA Emergency Use Authorizations</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aha.org/advisory/2020-04-08-coronavirus-update-technology-decontamination-and-reuse-n95-respirators-now">FDA Approves System for Decontaminating N95 Respirators</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/decontamination-reuse-respirators.html">Decontamination and Reuse of Filtering Facepiece Respirators using Contingency and Crisis Capacity Strategies</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-daily-roundup-march-24-2020?utm_campaign=20200325%20MCMi&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua">FDA allows use of respirators that are not NIOSH approved.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/138326/download">Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)</a></li> </ul> <h3>Checklist for Healthcare Facilities</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html">Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/checklist-n95-strategy.html">Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators during the COVID-19 Response</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <h2><strong>Environmental Infection Prevention</strong></h2> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2" role="button">N List Disifectants</a> <a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2020/03/AHE_COVID-19_Article%20_FINAL_D_Kley_2020.03.29.pdf" role="button">COVID-19 Infection Control Basics for Environmental Services Workers</a></p> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Finfection-control.html">Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/summary-of-IPC-guidance-P.pdf ">Protect Your Patients and Staff form COVID-19: CDC Recommended Infection Control Procedures</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Finfection-control.html#train_educate">Implement environmental infection control</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2">EPA Registered Disinfectants qualified under EPA’s emerging viral pathogens program for use against SARS-CoV-2 (List N) </a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html">CDC Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQs for COVID-19</a></p> </li> </ul> <hr /> <h2><strong>Cleaning and Disinfection</strong> </h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-for-ems.html">Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/enforcement-policy-sterilizers-disinfectant-devices-and-air-purifiers-during-coronavirus-disease">Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency | FDA</a></li> </ul> <h3>Isolation Rooms</h3> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2020/04/Isolation_Rooms.pdf" role="button">Isolation Room Information</a></p> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/caring-for-patients.html">What Healthcare Personnel Should Know about Caring for Patients with Confirmed or Possible COVID-19 Infection</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html">CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/appendix/air.html#tableb1">General guidance on clearance rates under differing ventilation conditions</a>.</p> </li> </ul> <h3>Air Change Formula</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/AJCleMFTxhI">Determining Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) in the Field. Watch this video from the American Society of Health Care Engineers.</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <h2>Personnel and Personnel Training</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/toolkits/employees-and-worker-safety.html">Toolkit for Worker & Employee Safety</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/hcp-return-work.html">Train and educate health care personnel</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/hcp-return-work.html ">Criteria for Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 (Interim Guidance)</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <h2>Staffing</h2> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2020/04/Staffing_Strategies.pdf" role="button">Staffing Strategies</a></p> <p>Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. Know where to turn for reliable, up-to-date information in your local community. Monitor the CDC COVID-19 website and your state and local health department websites for the latest information.</p> <hr /> <h2>Waste</h2> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2020/04/AHE_COVID-19_Medical_Waste_Infographic.pdf" role="button">Medical Waste Infographic</a>  <a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="/system/files/media/file/2020/04/Waste_Management.pdf" role="button">Waste Management Information</a></p> <p>The CDC has determined that medical waste generated in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and patients under investigation (PUIs) be managed in accordance with routine procedures. There are no additional packaging or transportation requirements from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for regulated medical waste or sharps.</p> <hr /> <h2><strong>Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities</strong></h2> <p>The CDC released new guidance for retirement communities and independent living facilities to better aid in the planning, preparation for, and response to coronavirus disease 2019. The guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease. Residents in retirement communities and independent living facilities are considered to be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes because of older age and because they may have underlying health conditions. </p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/retirement/index.html">Guidance for Retirement Communities and Independent Living</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/retirement/guidance-retirement-response.html">Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities (Interim Guidance)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/retirement/checklist.html">Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Checklist: Older Persons</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <h2><strong>Leadership</strong></h2> <h3>Crisis Management Leadership</h3> <p>In the absence of pre-determined procedures, a novel crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can overwhelm contingency plans and test leadership’s decision making. Follow these four principles to help you manage the unexpected. <strong>Note:</strong> Click screen if content doesn’t begin automatically. </p> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="https://crisismanagementleadership.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/interaction_html5.html" role="button">Play</a></p> <ul> </ul> <hr /> <h3 class="text-align-center"> </h3> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <div class="panel panel-default"> <div class="panel-body"> <h4>For More Resources Visit</h4> <a href="https://connect.ahe.org/home" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/myAHE_logo.jpg" /></a> <hr /> <p><a href="https://aha2.realmagnet.land/covid-19-rundown-eblast-request-form" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-04/COVID_19_newletter_box.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.aha.org/2020-01-22-updates-and-resources-novel-coronavirus-2019-cov" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/aha-brand-full.png" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/EPA.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-01/cdc-update-270.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-01/who-world-health-organization-logo-270.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/OSHA.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/FDA_Logo_270.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.aha.org/100millionmasks" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/facebook-100-million-masks.jpg" /></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 23 Mar 2020 13:41:34 -0500 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) /covid-19-resources-evs-professionals <div class="panel panel-default"> <div class="panel-heading" id="heading1" role="tab"> <h5 class="panel-title"><a aria-controls="item1" aria-expanded="false" class="collapsed" data-parent="#accordion" data-target="#example1" data-toggle="collapse" role="button">Page Updates <strong>+</strong></a></h5> </div> <div aria-expanded="false" aria-labelledby="heading1" class="panel-collapse collapse" id="example1" role="tabpanel"> <div class="panel-body"> <div> <p><strong>Last Updated</strong> 3/23/2020 | COVID-19 Update with resource links.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 2/20/2020 | Updated Advisory 91��������2019 Novel Coronavirus released.</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Updated</strong> 1/29/2020 | 91��������2019 Novel Coronavirus Advisory released.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6"> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html" role="button">Healthcare Professionals: FAQs</a></p> <h3><strong>Personnel & Personnel Training</strong></h3> </div> </div> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/hcp-return-work.html">Train and educate health care personnel</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/PPE-Sequence-508.pdf">CDC Sequence for Donning and Doffing PPE</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-faq.html">General FAQ’s on PPE</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/hcp-return-work.html ">Criteria for Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 (Interim Guidance) </a> </li> </ul> <hr /> <p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-xs" href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2" role="button">N List Disifectants</a></p> <h3><strong>Environmental Infection Prevention</strong></h3> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Finfection-control.html">Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/summary-of-IPC-guidance-P.pdf ">Protect Your Patients and Staff form COVID-19: CDC Recommended Infection Control Procedures</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Finfection-control.html#train_educate">Implement environmental infection control</a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 ">EPA Registered Disinfectants qualified under EPA’s emerging viral pathogens program for use against SARS-CoV-2 (List N) </a></p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html">CDC Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQs for COVID-19</a></p> </li> </ul> <hr /> <h3><strong>Staffing Strategies</strong></h3> <p><strong>Background:</strong> Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. Know where to turn for reliable, up-to-date information in your local community. Monitor the CDC COVID-19 website and your state and local health department websites for the latest information.</p> <ul> <li>Develop, or review, your facility’s emergency plan. A COVID-19 outbreak in your community could lead to staff absenteeism. Prepare alternative staffing plans as you would as part of your normal emergency plan to ensure as many of your facility’s staff are available as possible.</li> <li>Ensure the EVS leader is involved in any and all daily facility briefings related to COVID-19. Information provided at these briefing can help with staffing plans. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Alternative Staffing Ideas</strong></p> <ul> <li>Where facilities have postponed elective surgeries, utilization of EVS staff normally dedicated to peri-operative, ambulatory surgery or other procedural areas can be redirected to daily occupied patient rooms and discharge room cleaning.</li> <li>Revisit schedule staffing around highest discharge times.</li> <li>Decrease or eliminate office cleaning schedules and divert that workforce to support inpatient areas. Provide disinfectant wipes for the office members.</li> <li>Track all the hours used to support coverage needs related to COVID. It may come in handy especially if there is a need to provide supporting evidence on dollar impact that COIVD had on the facility. Track both labor and supply expenses related to the crisis which undoubtedly will impact budgets in a variety of ways.<br />  </li> </ul> <hr /> <h3><strong>Personal Protective Equipment</strong></h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html">What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn by environmental services (EVS) personnel who clean and disinfect rooms of hospitalized patients with COVID-19?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html">Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/checklist-n95-strategy.html">Checklist for Healthcare Facilities: Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators during the COVID-19 Response</a></li> </ul> <hr /> <h3><strong>Waste Management</strong></h3> <p>The CDC has determined that medical waste generated in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and patients under investigation (PUIs) be managed in accordance with routine procedures.<br /> There are no additional packaging or transportation requirements from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for regulated medical waste or sharps.</p> <ul> <li>Facilities are responsible for packaging waste for transport to treatment facilities.</li> <li>Each bag must be hand tied by gathering and twisting the neck of the bag and using a tie or hand knot to secure the bag, and each container must be securely closed.</li> <li>Closed bags must not be visible once a secondary container such as a box or reusable tote or tub is closed.</li> </ul> <hr /> <h3 class="text-align-center"><a href="https://ams.aha.org/EWEB/?ahabu=AHE&Action=Add&ObjectKeyFrom=1A83491A-9853-4C87-86A4-F7D95601C2E2&WebCode=ProdDetailAdd&DoNotSave=yes&ParentObject=CentralizedOrderEntry&ParentDataObject=Invoice%20Detail&ivd_formkey=69202792-63d7-4ba2-bf4e-a0da41270555&ivd_prc_prd_key=0d28f09d-e60f-4bf0-b57b-8b1199c75077">Watch the Coronavirus Update—What Health Care Professionals Need to Know to Prepare for COVID-19 webinar with Dr. Michael Bell <br /> Deputy Director, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.</h3> <p class="text-align-center">Members-only webinar. Prerecorded Wednesday, March 18 at 1 pm EST.</p> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <div class="panel panel-default"> <div class="panel-body"> <h4>For More Resources Visit</h4> <a href="https://connect.ahe.org/home" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/myAHE_logo.jpg" /></a> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.aha.org/2020-01-22-updates-and-resources-novel-coronavirus-2019-cov" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/aha-brand-full.png" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/EPA.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-01/cdc-update-270.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-01/who-world-health-organization-logo-270.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/OSHA.jpg" /></a></p> <hr /> <p><a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19" target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2020-03/FDA_Logo_270.jpg" /></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:52:20 -0500 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) /education-events/coronavirus-update-what-health-care-professionals-need-know-prepare-covid-19 <h2 class="text-align-center">Complimentary to AHA Professional Membership Groups<br> MEMBERS ONLY</h2> <p>In this one-hour webinar, Dr. Michael Bell, Deputy Director, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will discuss the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and explore its structure and possible zoonotic origin, mode of transmission, symptoms and disease process. He will provide updates on:</p> <ul> <li>the national and global impacts of COVID-19</li> <li>infection prevention and control strategies</li> <li>risks for exposures</li> <li>optimizing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies</li> </ul> <p>Dr. Bell will conclude the program with the latest guidance on proper cleaning and disinfection of health care facilities, and the use of disinfectant products that have been pre-approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19 and other emerging enveloped viruses.</p> <p><strong>A recording of the program will be sent to registrants on March 20, 2020, and upon registration after March 20th. Accessible to MEMBERS ONLY.</strong></p> <p class="text-align-center"><img alt="Dr. Bell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="727ffa54-f4f4-43dd-b720-cdda76c0a509" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dr_Bell.png" width="150" height="150"></p> <h4 class="text-align-center">Dr. Michael Bell<br> Deputy Director, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion<br> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</h4> <p>Dr. Michael Bell is deputy director of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion in CDC’s National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases. An expert in drug-resistant pathogens and hospital-acquired infections, Dr. Bell’s career has focused on investigating and preventing transmission of healthcare-associated illnesses for hospital patients and staff alike as well as developing evidence-based infection control guidelines. He has been instrumental in advancing programs for prevention of antimicrobial resistance and improvements in safe medical practices.</p> <p>As chief of the epidemiology unit in the Special Pathogens Branch, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, he recommended steps to improve control of high-risk pathogens—such as the Ebola, Marburg, and Nipah viruses— during numerous outbreak responses.</p> <p>Dr. Bell earned the Bachelor of Science in biology and microbiology as well as the Doctor of Medicine from the University of Washington. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He completed a clinical fellowship in infectious diseases at the University of California San Francisco as well as a postdoctoral fellowship in virology and immunology. Dr. Bell is board certified in infectious disease and internal medicine.<br>  </p> Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:31:37 -0500 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) /novel-coronavirus-evs-advisory <h1 class="text-align-justify">COVID-19 Resources</h1> <hr /> <h3>ADVISORY: Novel Coronavirus EVS Advisory (formerly Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) </h3> <h4><strong>Updated February 20, 2020</strong></h4> <p><strong>Background</strong></p> <p>On Jan. 21, 2020, officials announced the first COVID-19 United States (U.S.) case with 14 additional confirmed cases since then, and another 14 added within the last couple of days as passengers from a cruise ship were evacuated from Japan. COVID-19, formerly known as 2019-nCoV, emerged in 2019 and is spreading in a growing number of countries. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a COVID-19 a global health emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring, and collaborating with WHO on the outbreak, which was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. <br />  <br /> <a href="https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200219-sitrep-30-covid-19.pdf">As of Feb. 19, 2020, WHO has reported</a> more than 74,000 confirmed cases globally and more than 2000 deaths, the majority of which are in China. Effective Jan. 27, 2020, the <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/01/31/secretary-azar-declares-public-health-emergency-us-2019-novel-coronavirus.html">U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency</a> for the entire U.S. to aid the nation’s health care community in responding to COVID-19. The CDC is working closely with state health departments on disease surveillance, contact tracing, and providing interim guidance for clinicians on identifying and treating coronavirus infections.   </p> <p><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html">Human coronaviruses</a> are common throughout the world. Human coronaviruses commonly cause mild to moderate illness. Two newer human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have been known to cause severe illness. COVID-19 is the newest coronavirus that is causing concern. </p> <p><strong>What is <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html">2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)</a>?</strong></p> <ul> <li>In confirmed cases, clinical signs and symptoms range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. </li> <li>The situation with COVID-19 is still unclear and evolving rapidly. Person-to-person transmission has been reported in health care workers who were caring for patients in China. In the U.S., cases in health care settings, like hospitals, could also occur. </li> </ul> <p><strong>What are the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Finfection-control.html">health care infection control precautions</a> for COVID-19 as it relates to environmental hygiene and hand hygiene?</strong></p> <p>CDC currently recommends a cautious approach to patients under investigation for COVID-19: </p> <ul> <li>Meticulous hand hygiene and environmental hygiene play a key role in these isolation precautions.  </li> <li>Health care professionals should perform hand hygiene before and after all patient contact, contact with potentially infectious material, and before putting on and upon removal of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves. If hands are visibly soiled, use soap and water before returning to alcohol-based hand sanitizer.</li> <li>Health care facilities should ensure that hand hygiene supplies are readily available in every care location.</li> <li>Health care professionals must be cleared, trained and fit tested for respiratory protection device use. They must also be educated, trained and have practiced appropriate PPE use, including correct use to prevent contamination of skin, clothing or the environment, prior to caring for a patient with known or suspected cases of COVID-19.</li> <li>Health care professionals entering a patient’s room should use standard precautions, contact precautions, airborne precautions, and eye protection (e.g., goggles or a face shield). </li> <li>The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the CDC recognize environmental surfaces as a vector for transmission of coronaviruses. The CDC has developed a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/hcp-preparedness-checklist.pdf">hospital preparedness checklist</a> which recommends that hospitals assess the effectiveness of environmental cleaning and consider providing refresher training on environmental hygiene best practices as outlined in the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/toolkits/Environ-Cleaning-Eval-Toolkit12-2-2010.pdf">CDC Toolkit: Options for Evaluating Environmental Cleaning</a>.</li> <li>The CDC strengthened recommendations to state that facilities must ensure that health care professionals receive job or task-specific education and training on transmission of infectious agents, including refresher training.  </li> <li>Routine cleaning and disinfection are appropriate for COVID-19 in health care settings, including those patient-care areas in which aerosol-generating procedures are performed. </li> </ul> <p><strong>What hand hygiene products are effective against COVID-19? </strong></p> <p>Washing your hands often with soap and water is one of the best ways to avoid transmission of emerging pathogens. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The Food and Drug Administration regulates claims on both medicated, antimicrobial soaps and on alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Claims related to efficacy against viruses are not allowed on any medicated, antimicrobial soaps nor on any alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the U.S.</p> <p><strong>What disinfectants are effective against COVID-19</strong>?</p> <p>The EPA recognizes environmental surfaces as a vector for transmission of coronaviruses. The EPA has developed the “<a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/emerging-viral-pathogen-guidance-antimicrobial-pesticides">Guidance to Registrants: Process for making claims against emerging viral pathogens not on EPA-registered disinfectant labels</a>”. This document provides general guidance to disinfectant manufacturers and addresses public concerns on a process that can be used to identify effective disinfectants for use against emerging viral pathogens. It permits manufacturers to make limited claims about their product’s efficacy against such pathogens. The criteria required to make such claims is outlined in the table below.</p> <p>The American Chemistry Council's Center for Biocide Chemistries has <a href="https://www.americanchemistry.com/Novel-Coronavirus-Fighting-Products-List.pdf">compiled a list</a> of products that have been pre-approved by the EPA for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens and can be used during the COVID-19 outbreak. This product list is not exhaustive but can be used by business owners, health professionals, and the public to identify products suitable for use against COVID-19.<br />  </p> <hr /> <p class="text-align-center"><strong><a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/emerging-viral-pathogen-guidance-antimicrobial-pesticides">Guidance to Registrants: Process for making claims against emerging viral pathogens not on EPA-Registered disinfectant labels</a></strong></p> <p class="text-align-justify">An eligible product should meet both of the following criteria: </p> <ol> <li class="text-align-justify">The product is an EPA-registered, hospital/health care or broad-spectrum disinfectant with directions for use on hard, porous or non-porous surfaces.* </li> <li class="text-align-justify">The currently accepted product label from an <a href="https://www.americanchemistry.com/Novel-Coronavirus-Fighting-Products-List.pdf">EPA registered product</a> should have disinfectant efficacy claims against at least one of the following viral pathogen groupings: </li> </ol> <p class="text-align-justify">a) A product should be approved by EPA to inactivate at least one large or one small non-enveloped virus to be eligible for use against an enveloped emerging viral pathogen. </p> <p class="text-align-justify"><br /> b) A product should be approved by EPA to inactivate at least one small, nonenveloped virus to be eligible for use against a large, non-enveloped emerging viral pathogen. </p> <p class="text-align-justify"><br /> c) A product should be approved by EPA to inactivate at least two small, nonenveloped viruses with each from a different viral family to be eligible for use against a small, non-enveloped emerging viral pathogen.</p> <p class="text-align-justify"><br /> * Product Performance Test Guidelines: OCSPP 810.2200 Disinfectants for Use on Hard Surfaces – Efficacy Data Recommendations [EPA 712-C-07-074].</p> <hr /> <p><strong>What work is still ongoing?</strong></p> <p>•    The U.S. is temporarily prohibiting entry to Chinese foreign nationals who visited China in the 14 days prior to their arrival to the United States. Restrictions also apply to U.S. citizens who have been in China’s Hubei province, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, in the two weeks prior to their return to the U.S. Upon their return, those citizens will be placed under a mandatory quarantine of up to 14 days. U.S. citizens returning from the rest of mainland China in the 14 days prior will undergo health screenings at selected ports of entry and be under self-monitored quarantine for 14 days.</p> <p>•    Identifying the origin of the virus, which could lead to recommended guidance related to transmission from animals.</p> <p>•    Disease progression among ill people and how they may have acquired the infection, including the frequency and likelihood of person-to-person transmission. Current knowledge about COVID-19 transmission is based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. Based on this, it is believed that spread from person-to-person occurs most often among close contacts. Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. It is currently unclear if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Typically, with most respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).</p> <p><br /> <strong>For More Information</strong><br /> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coronavirus Summary</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/novel-coronavirus-covid-19">Food and Drug Administration Landing Page</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus">World Health Organization, Coronavirus</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters">World Health Organization, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters </a></p> <p><a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/">Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2019 Novel Coronavirus</a> <br />  </p> Wed, 29 Jan 2020 12:22:40 -0600 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19)