Infection prevention and control during health care when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected Interim guidance, 19 March 2020

Abstract

Background: This is the first edition of guidance on infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies for use when COVID-19 is suspected. It has been adapted from WHO’s Infection prevention and control during health care for probable or confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection,1 based on current knowledge of the situation and experience with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and MERS. WHO will update these recommendations as new information becomes available. This guidance is intended for health care workers (HCWs), health care managers, and IPC teams at the facility level but it is also relevant for national and district/provincial levels. Full guidelines are available from WHO.