Principles Of Infection Control Research Articles

Engage, educate, escape: The New Jersey Department of Health Project Firstline Escape Room

Objective: Participating in an escape room is not just an entertainment but can also be a form of education. Because of this, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Project Firstline (PFL) created an escape room interactive training tool and skills-building exercise to encourage the identification and use of key infection control principles by current and future healthcare workers. Design and Setting: PFL is a US initiative that aims to provide infection prevention and control (IPC) knowledge to frontline healthcare workers. This article details health educators’ descriptions and experiences of an escape room developed as part of this initiative; guidance on how to incorporate this modality of learning into present and future teaching; and assessment data and feedback from participants to begin to understand the impact and effectiveness of this approach to learning. Methods: A total of 8 sessions, conducted in 3 locations, with 64 participants, yielded survey assessment data from 41 participants. Results: Quantitative results indicated that participants were highly satisfied with the escape room experience and reported an increased level of knowledge after participation. In addition, participants reported extremely high levels of intention to implement the training they received, and all would recommend the escape room experience to a friend or a colleague. Qualitative data supports the overall findings and provides specific examples of how participants said they would implement the knowledge they learned, along with additional positive feedback. Conclusion: Current and continuing efforts to promote PFL’s escape room are described, along with improvements and future actions.

A multi-institute, follow-up, observational study measuring nursing students' adherence to infection prevention and control protocols in Saudi Arabia.

Nursing students learn principles of infection prevention and control (IPC) and hand hygiene (HH) in clinical courses, and their learning is reflected in their practice. The knowledge, attitude, and practice of principles of IPC and HH of the students were measured prior to and after attending an educational workshop. The adherence of the students to the IPC and HH protocols at the hospital was also observed. This study included a pretest-posttest time series follow-up and an observational part. During the first part of the study, students attended a workshop, which was preceded by a pretest. It was then followed by a posttest directly after finishing the workshop and in 12 weeks. Participants were submitted to an observational part by a trained observer to document certain skills taught earlier during the workshop. Students from three nursing schools in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. A total number of 130 completed the study protocol, and 100 completed the observation part. Students were found to experience an improvement in their knowledge, beliefs, and commitment scales after the workshop. The attitude scale remained relatively unchanged over different tests. Most students performed the skills properly and adequately, but some failed to perform certain skills, like hand rub, and the proper use of disinfectants.

EEVALUATION AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF OPERATING ROOM PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF STERILE TECHNIQUES IN KHYBER TEACHING HOSPITAL PESHAWAR

The pivotal aspect of patient care within the operating room is the operating room personnel. Therefore, assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning sterile techniques in the operating theatre is crucial, as infections pose a significant risk to post-operative patient morbidity and mortality. Wound infections are the second most prevalent type of hospital-acquired nosocomial infection in the United States. Recognizing that inadequate infection control and sterile technique practices in the operating room can contribute to wound infections, it is imperative to establish infection control principles and adhere to sterile technique standards. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of operating room personnel with respect to sterile techniques at Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) in Peshawar. A cross-sectional descriptive study approach was employed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of operating room personnel in the operating theaters of KTH. One hundred and eighty operating room personnel from the selected hospitals were chosen from the population using a non-probability convenient sampling method. The self-administered questionnaires were used to gauge their understanding of, attitude toward, and adherence to sterile techniques. The study's findings revealed that most respondents (74%) were male, 44.2% fell within the age range of 25-30 years, and most (74.6%) had less than 10 years of experience. Many respondents exhibited good knowledge, a positive attitude, and solid practices regarding sterile techniques. In conclusion, the study found that operating room personnel displayed good knowledge, a positive attitude, and sound practices about sterile techniques. Furthermore, the study established a direct relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice. As a result, it is recommended that operating room personnel should participate in additional workshops or seminars on sterile techniques to stay updated on new developments in this field.

The role of online marketing to engage healthcare workers with infection prevention and control information and resources: A pilot study.

The successful adoption and application of infection prevention and control (IPC) principles in all healthcare settings is dependent on the degree to which healthcare workers (HCWs) are aware of the requirements, have access to program resources and information, and engage with the IPC program. This study investigates the impact of redesigning the Infection Control Department (ICD) intranet site based on user feedback followed by a targeted marketing campaign to improve website usability, awareness, and access. In this systematic study, we used a survey plus two focus group interviews to elicit user requirements for the content and look of the ICD intranet page and identify the best communication platforms to use for the marketing campaign to launch the redesigned intranet page. The information was used to redesign the intranet page and develop the marketing campaign. The survey was repeated post-intervention and these results, along with a comparison of website analytics monitoring traffic, were used to determine the success of the intervention. The ICD intranet page redesign increased the information and resources. Post-intervention survey results demonstrated a significant improvement in user satisfaction including ease of navigation and access to IPC information and resources. The marketing campaign resulted in a significant increase in website traffic to the ICD intranet page, demonstrating enhanced engagement with HCWs. This study demonstrated that website redesign based on user feedback, combined with a marketing campaign, can increase the traffic to the website and improve the user experience when accessing and navigating the site making the information and resources more accessible to HCWs.

Healthcare workers exposure risk assessment in the context of the COVID-19: a survey among frontline workers in Qazvin, Iran

BackgroundHealthcare workers perform various clinical procedures for COVID-19 patients facing an elevated risk of exposure to SARS-COV-2.This study aimed to assess the healthcare workers’ exposure to COVID-19 in Qazvin, Iran in 2020.MethodsWe conducted this descriptive-analytical study among all healthcare workers on the frontline of exposure to COVID-19 in Qazvin province. We entered the participants into the study using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. We utilized a questionnaire, "Health workers exposure risk assessment and management in the context of COVID-19 disease", designed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to collect data. We analyzed data using descriptive and analytical methods with SPSS software version 24.ResultsThe results showed that all participants in the study had occupational exposure to the COVID-19 virus. So of 243 healthcare workers, 186 (76.5%) were at low risk and 57 (23.5%) at high risk of COVID-19 virus infection. Also, from the six domains mentioned in the questionnaire, health workers exposure risk assessment and management in the context of COVID-19 disease, the mean score of the domain of the type of healthcare worker interaction with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, the domain of health worker activities performed on a confirmed COVID-19 patient, the domain of the adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) during health care interactions, and the domain of the adherence to IPC when performing aerosol-generating procedures in the high-risk group were more than the low-risk group.ConclusionDespite strict WHO guidelines, many healthcare workers are exposed at contracting COVID-19. Therefore, healthcare managers, planners, and policymakers can revise the policies, provide appropriate and timely personal protective equipment, and plan for ongoing training for staff on the principles of infection prevention and control.

Poliomyelitis outbreak, vaccine, and concern in current clinical surgery

Dear Editor, Poliomyelitis is a fairly old disease, and the vaccination against it has been in use for a long time. The reemergence of poliovirus-related sickness in America draws international attention. A male case from the United States was diagnosed with paralytic poliomyelitis in July 2022.[1,2] The virus discovered in the feces was recognized as a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 caused by oral polio vaccination.[2] Routine vaccine administration has decreased globally since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increasing proportion of areas lacking poliovirus vaccination.[2] The shifting situation in America could be attributable to a variety of factors. Nonetheless, it confirms that the poliovirus and the sickness it causes have never been successfully eradicated. Vaccines are currently regarded as an effective preventive tool against infectious diseases. Sometimes, the fundamental concepts of disease control and sanitation are overlooked. Poliomyelitis has resurfaced not just in the United States but also in emerging countries in South Asia. Sanitation should be a basic principle that is necessary for any situation, independent of the socioeconomic background.[3,4] Concerning the association between COVID-19 and polio, the discovery of contamination in environmental samples from the same location confirms the need for basic sanitation principles as the criteria for any infectious disease prevention. In high-income neighborhoods with adequate sanitation, there is still a risk of disease invasion from outside sources, such as immigrant workers. Therefore, it is time for applying good sanitation measures and infectious controls.[5] Because of the fact that there is a chance of unknown contamination conditions in the environment, some specific patients might have risks. For example, a posttransplantation case is proven for low immunity against poliovirus, and if the patient contacts with the contaminated pathogen, the infection can be expected.[5,6,7] Because of the likelihood of polio recurrence, the surgical ward may have to play a part in care for a patient with positive poliovirus, and good preparation with normal infection control principles must be followed.

INFECTION CONTROL PROTOCOLS IN SPECIALIST DENTAL CENTRE AT SAUDI ARABIA. A NEWAPPRESIAL

Context Although the principles of infection prevention and control remain unchanged, new technologies,materials, equipment and updated data require continuous evaluation of current infection control practicesandcontinuouseducationfor theoralhealthteam. Scope This policy statement provides the basic principles of infection prevention and control. More detailedinformationcanbefound inthe referencesandinrelevant legislation. Definitions Infection prevention and control (IPC): scientific approach and practical solution designed topreventharmcausedby infectiontopatientsand healthworkers. Standardprecautions:Guidelinesforthepreventionoftransmittablediseasesincludingnosocomialinfection.Standardprecautionscombineuniversalprecautionsandbody-substanceprecautionsforallpatientsregardlessof diagnosisor possible infectiousstatus. Principles It is the responsibility of dentists to establish a protocol that prevents or limits the spread ofinfectionindentalpracticefortheirpatients,theirstaffandthem-selves.Thiscanbeaccomplishedbyfollowingthe recommendedinfectioncontrolworkpractice procedures. PolicyFDIsupportsthefollowingstatements: Recommendations,guidelinesandregulationsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwiththedentalprofession. • Recommendations, guidelines and laws affecting standard precautions required of dental practices must beevidence-based or based on international best practices and receive adequate financial compensation for theadditionalcoststhatareincurred. • Local/regional dental associations should educate the public on the importance of proper infection controlin the dental office, the effectiveness of such recommended procedures and consequently the absence of asignificant riskofcontractingtransmittable diseasesthrough theprovisionofdentalcare. • Dentaleducatorsmustincorporatecurrentinfectionpreventionandcontrolrecommendationsinhealthcare settings into the curriculum and during clinical activities. This should include a blame-free criticalincidentreportingandlearningsystem.

Section 3 - Principles of Infection Control

Section 3 - Principles of Infection Control

Infection Control-Based Construction of a Fever Outpatient Routine Management Model.

Purpose Outbreaks caused by infectious diseases are now serious public health events. At present, most hospitals have a high number of fever clinic attendances. In order to improve the efficiency of fever clinic screening, timely detection and control of infection sources, early detection, early isolation, and early treatment, our hospital explored the construction and effect of our fever clinic management model during the response period by constructing a fever clinic regular management model based on the principles of infection control. Methods 1300 cases (September 2021 to February 2022) with or without epidemiological history were divided into the control group (without epidemiological history) and the observation group (with epidemiological history) and patients were given differentiated management. A model of permanent management of a fever clinic during the epidemic was set up and evaluated by implementing the person responsible for epidemic positions, optimizing tertiary care, and strengthening nosocomial infection protection for health care workers. Results The results showed that patients in the observation group had a lower age of onset, a longer consultation time, and a higher proportion of patients with fever, which was different from the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the proportion of routine blood tests, the proportion of four respiratory virus tests, and the per capita cost were higher in the observation group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were no missed diagnoses, underreporting, cross-infections, or nosocomial infections in either group, and there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of patients' evaluation of management quality and satisfaction with management (P > 0.05). The skill level, management attitude, and standardized operation of outpatient clinic managers improved after the construction of a fever clinic standing management model based on infection control, and the recognition of patients was higher in the observation group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The construction of a fever outpatient routine management model based on the principle of infection control is conducive to the standardized implementation of the management and treatment of health care workers, early detection of the source of transmission to cut off the transmission route, avoiding cross-infection and nosocomial infection, and ensuring the safety of patients and health care workers.

NURSE’S PRACTICE REGARDING USE OF INFECTION CONTROL SAFETY MEASURES IN HEMODIALYSIS UNITS- AT KHARTOUM STATE, SUDAN

Background: Nurses play an important role at the dialysis units, they are the key health caregivers responsible for applying the foremost skills and principles of infection control steps throughout the process of hemodialysis. This may reflect their attitude and knowledge of infection control principles. Aim: This study aims at Assess Nurse’s Practice Regarding Use of Infection Control Safety Measures Blood Born Diseases in Hemodialysis Units.Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional hospital-based study, conducted at Khartoum main haemodialys). Itentres- Khartoum State, Sudan. Six main governmental hospitals were selected, plus the hospitals that provide haemodialysis. Seventy nurses providing haemodialysis nursing were enrolled in this study, data was collected using self-administered questionnaire with an observational check list for data collection, data analysis was carried out using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), and the results were presented in descriptive and numerical forms as well as cross tables.Result: This study, revealed that the level of practice and using of the standards of infection control percussions; 65 (92.9%) of participants used gloves among isolated and re-used it among non-isolated patients, around half of the participants 36 (51.4%) did not use hand washing, following patient or patient’s tools touching, where may have led to spread of blood borne diseases. There was no significant relationship between the practices and the study group, regarding the of level experience P-value &lt; 0.445. The level of practices was satisfied. So, the level of practice regarding the hazards of contamination is recommended to establish in- service regular staff training to encourage infection control management, standardize practices check list.

Effect of the pandemic on surgical procedures in a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective review.

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of performing surgeries with necessary precautions and to evaluate demographic characteristics of operated patients during novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the infection rates during hospitalization and within 14 days after surgery. Between March 15th, 2020 and April 30th, 2020, a total of 639 patients who had been operated on in our center were retrospectively analyzed. According to the triage system, the surgical procedures were classified as emergency, time-sensitive, and elective procedures. Data including age, sex, indication for surgery, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, pre- and postoperative symptoms, the presence and/ or absence of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result, type of surgery, surgical site, and documented COVID-19 infections during hospitalization and within 21 days after surgery were recorded. Of the patients, 60.4% were males and 39.6% were females with a mean age of 43.08 ± 22.68 years. Malignancy was the most common indication for surgery (35.5%), followed by trauma (29.1%). The abdominal area and head and neck region were the most frequent surgical sites in 27.4% and 24.9% of the patients, respectively. Of all surgical procedures, 54.9% were emergency and 43.9% were time-sensitive procedures. Of the patients, 84.2% were in ASA Class I-II while 15.8% patients were in ASA Class III, IV and V. General anesthesia was the most common anesthesia type in 83.9% of the patients. The overall rate of COVID-19 infection was 0.63% in the preoperative period. The rate of COVID-19 infection during and after surgery was 0.31%. With similar infection rates to the general population, surgeries of all types can be performed safely taking preventive measures in the preand postoperative period. It would be wise to perform surgical treatment without delay in patients with an increased risk for mortality and morbidity in accordance with strict infection control principles.

Evolving operational guidance and experiences for radiology and nuclear medicine facilities in response to and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resulting pandemic from the novel severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), continues to exert a strain on worldwide health services due to the incidence of hospitalization and mortality associated with infection. The aim of clinical services throughout the period of the pandemic and likely beyond to endemic infections as the situation stabilizes is to enhance safety aspects to mitigate transmission of COVID-19 while providing a high quality of service to all patients (COVID-19 positive and negative) while still upholding excellent medical standards. In order to achieve this, new strategies of clinical service operation are essential. Researchers have published peer-reviewed reference materials such as guidelines, experiences and advice to manage the resulting issues from the unpredictable challenges presented by the pandemic. There is a range of international guidance also from professional medical organizations, including best practice and advice in order to help imaging facilities adjust their standard operating procedures and workflows in line with infection control principles. This work provides a broad review of the main sources of advice and guidelines for radiology and nuclear medicine facilities during the pandemic, and also of rapidly emerging advice and local/national experiences as facilities begin to resume previously canceled non-urgent services as well as effects on imaging research.

Environmental cleaning and infection prevention and control: The role of Patient Service Assistants.

In Australia, Patient Service Assistants are an integral part of all health care settings, yet there is a paucity of studies considering their understandings and perceptions of their role about infection prevention and control. The aim in this study was to explore haematology Personal Service Assistants' experience, understanding and perceptions of their role in improving patient safety through environmental cleaning. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was utilised to collect data from cleaning staff via focus groups. Three semi-structured focus groups were conducted. Seven Patient Service Assistants participated in the study out of 11 employed. Two key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) Playing a major role in Infection Prevention and Control, and (2) prioritising good interpersonal relationships over promoting infection prevention and control. Patient Service Assistants emphasised the importance of their involvement in keeping the ward clean, including patients' rooms and surroundings, to prevent cross infection. Most participants underlined the dilemmas they faced when visitors and/or informal cleaning employees or casual ward staff did not adhere to ward infection prevention and control norms. Patient Service Assistants were employing key infection prevention and control principles in their ward cleaning routine, with the aim of achieving a safer patient environment although they were reluctant to challenge observed practice deviations. The role of Patient Service Assistants highlights the widely held misconception that patient safety is solely dependent on healthcare workers.

Predictors of contracting COVID-19 in nursing homes: Implications for clinical practice.

The aim of the study was to identify the predictors of contracting COVID-19 among older people in nursing homes in Iran. A case-control study. Four-hundred-nine nursing home residents aged 60years and above, with a 1:2 ratio of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 to those not infected, from six nursing homes in Tehran between 25 March and 12 July 2021 were recruited. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising demographic and underlying disease questions, practice about prevention principles of SARS-CoV-2 infection, probably predisposing factors of the infection, and environmental and staff characteristic of nursing homes. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors associated with contracting COVID-19. The mean age was 77.37 (±9.20) years; 54% were female. A logistic regression model showed that the most important predictors of becoming infected by SARS-CoV-2 included not using mask outside the room (odds ratio [OR]: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.74-6.53), longer staff shifts (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.68-5.43), using cloth mask or not wearing a mask (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.13-5.42) and not having glass barrier in visitors space (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.11-3.50). The results indicate that an increase in older people becoming infected by SARS-CoV-2 in nursing homes is probably because of not wearing a mask in common places, use of a cloth mask, longer staff shift durations and not having a glass shield when interacting with visitors from outside of nursing homes. The predictors identified in this study can assist in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infections in older people institutionalized in nursing homes. These data items can also inform the development of interventions to improve principles of infection prevention and control.

The Commitment of Healthcare Workers to the WHO Infection Control Principles in Tripoli, Libya

The Commitment of Healthcare Workers to the WHO Infection Control Principles in Tripoli, Libya

COVID-19 Pandemic and Periodontal Practice: The Immunological, Clinical, and Economic Points of View.

The recent global health problem, COVID-19, has had far-reaching impacts on lifestyles. Although many effective WHO-approved vaccines have been produced that have reduced the spread and severity of the disease, it appears to persist in humans for a long time and possibly forever as everyday it turns out to have new mutations. COVID-19 involves the lungs and other organs primarily through cytokine storms, which have been implicated in many other inflammatory disorders, including periodontal diseases. COVID-19 is in a close association with dental and periodontal practice from two respects: first, repeated mandatory lockdowns have reduced patient referrals to dentists and limited the dental and periodontal procedures to emergency treatments, whereas it is important to recognize the oral manifestations of COVID-19 as well as the influence of oral and periodontal disease on the severity of COVID-19. Second, dentistry is one of the high-risk professions in terms of close contact with unmasked individuals, necessitating redefining the principles of infection control. The pressures of the economic recession on patients as well as dentists add to the difficulty of resuming elective dental services. Therefore, this study is divided into two parts corresponding to what mentioned above: the first part examines the clinical and immunological associations between COVID-19 and periodontal and oral diseases, and the second part delineates the measures needed to control the disease transmission in dental clinics as well as the economic impact of the pandemic era on dental services.

Factors Affecting Performance Confidence Infection Control of Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Among Nursing Students

The aim of this study was to identify awareness, education needs, and performance confidence for carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection control in undergraduate nursing students. A descriptive research was conducted with 229 junior nursing students in Jeollanam-do. The data were collected using self-report questionnaires. According to the results, the mean CRE awareness score was 87.0 points out of 100, the education needs for CRE infection control was 87.8 points out of 100, and the performance confidence for CRE infection control was 79.8 points out of 100. There was a positive relation among awareness, education needs, and performance confidence. Awareness independently accounted for 22.8% of performance confidence. The performance confidence for CRE infection control is required to prevent Multidrug Resistant Organisms (MDRO) infection. In order to enhance the infection control performance confidence, it is important to raise awareness about CRE infection control by providing education based on the principles of infection control.

SUCCESSFUL REVASCULARIZATION PROCEDURE IN AN IMMATURE PERMANENT NECROTIC SECOND LOWER MOLAR: A CASE REPORT WITH 4.5-YEARS FOLLOW-UP

Background: Infection control is mandatory for revascularization procedures, enabling to eliminate patient's clinical symptoms and signs. Despite presenting a complex morphology when compared to anterior teeth, if a strict disinfection protocol is adopted and the revascularization procedure's biological principles are followed, the therapy can be successful in molar teeth. Methods: This case report aims to present a clinical case of successful revascularization in an immature permanent necrotic second lower molar. Clinical decisions and explanations regarding possible mechanisms related to the treatment's success in a tooth with complex morphology are discussed. Results: Revascularization procedures were performed on a 12-year-old male patient diagnosed with symptomatic periapical periodontitis in a tooth 37. The case highlights the need for infection control and biological principles that surrounds the success of this therapy. Follow-up times presented in this case were six months, 1, 2, 4 and 4.5-years, respectively. Continued root development was observed, and the tooth remains intact and without symptoms. Conclusion: The association of infection control and the biological principles of revascularization procedures allow the maintenance and continuation of tooth development, even when these present complex morphologies.

Economic Irreversibility in Pandemic Control Processes: Rigorous Modeling of Delayed Countermeasures and Consequential Cost Increases

After the first lockdown in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, many countries faced difficulties in balancing infection control with economics. Due to limited prior knowledge, economists began researching this issue using cost-benefit analysis and found that infection control processes significantly affect economic efficiency. A UK study used economic parameters to numerically demonstrate an optimal balance in the process, including keeping the infected population stationary. However, universally applicable knowledge, which is indispensable for the guiding principles of infection control, has not yet been clearly developed because of the methodological limitations of simulation studies. Here, we propose a simple model and theoretically prove the universal result of economic irreversibility by applying the idea of thermodynamics to pandemic control. This means that delaying infection control measures is more expensive than implementing infection control measures early while keeping infected populations stationary. This implies that once the infected population increases, society cannot return to its previous state without extra expenditures. This universal result is analytically obtained by focusing on the infection-spreading phase of pandemics, and is applicable not just to COVID-19, regardless of "herd immunity." It also confirms the numerical observation of stationary infected populations in its optimally efficient process. Our findings suggest that economic irreversibility is a guiding principle for balancing infection control with economic effects.

COVID Vaccination in Athletes and Updated Interim Guidance on the Preparticipation Physical Examination During the SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic.

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) convened an expert panel to address the current evidence, knowledge gaps, and recommendations surrounding the COVID vaccination in athletes during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The group held a series of meetings beginning in July 2021 and reviewed the available literature while using an iterative process and expert consensus to finalize this guidance statement. This document is intended to provide clinicians with suggestions on how to incorporate the COVID vaccination during the preparticipation physical examination for athletes in all levels of training and competition. The statement is not intended to address treatment, infection control principles, safety, ethical discussion, or public health issues related to SARS-CoV-2. The AMSSM task force acknowledges the clinical uncertainty, evolving public health objectives, and the limited data currently available to create this guidance statement.