Protection for Health care workers
Worldwide “stay home” and “social distancing” is followed. But the
medical profession are prepared to do the opposite. They risk going to
hospital to take care of the patients infected with COVID-19. China’s
National health Commission reported that more than 3300 health care
workers have been infected as of early March. In Italy, 20% of the
responding health care workers are infected (6). More than 60 doctors
have died in Italy. Spain has reported that 14.4% of the total
reported cases are health care workers. A total of 1302 doctor and
trainees were infected and 108 deaths have lost their lives as on July
13th, 2020 (7). This gives a staggering 8% mortality
rate among doctors as compared to 3 to 4% in general population. Three
quarter of the death was among doctors who are more than 60 years of
age. Cardio vascular unit team works in close proximity. There is every
possibility to come in contact with all body fluids during the pre / per
/ post operational period. It is essential that the head of the unit
takes measure for staff management. It is advisable to have two team of
staff members, so that when needed, quarantines can be applied to
members within the team, rather than the entire unit. There are
guidelines established for the personal protection equipments during the
surgery by the apex societies. It is of paramount importance to adhere
to them religiously. Doors of the operating room should be shut always,
providing optimal negative pressure. All the contaminated equipments
should be left in the operating room before leaving.