Protection Of Staff Research Articles

New requirements for power frequency electric field and induced current personal protective equipment

In conditions of exceeding the maximum permissible levels of power frequency electric field, the staff must use personal protective equipment. Requirements for such means are regulated by the system of occupational safety standards. The goal of this work is analyzed new requirements for power frequency and induced personal protective equipment in the regulatory interstate standards GOST 12.4.172 and GOST 12.4.283. The personal protective equipment new requirements for various types of work are substantiated to electrical personnel health safety during the maintenance and operation of power grid facilities. Increasing requirements for personal protective equipment improves the staff protection at ground potential and at wire potential, including in emergency situations such as induced and step voltage.

Lung transplantation during the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China

ObjectivesThe study objectives were to illustrate our workflow for lung donation and transplantation during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 crisis and to report our preliminary experience with perioperative care. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data in the China Lung Transplantation Registration from January 23, 2020, to March 23, 2020 (2020 cohort), compared with the same period in 2019 (2019 cohort). Pre– and post–lung transplantation management strategies, including measures aiming to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, were applied to all recipients, including 5 post–Coronavirus Disease 2019 transplants during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic period in China. ResultsTwenty-eight lung transplant procedures were performed, including lung transplant for 5 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to Coronavirus Disease 2019–related pulmonary fibrosis. Compared with the 2019 cohort, more patients with urgent conditions received transplantation in 2020, with a shorter pre–lung transplant admission time and early mobilization post–lung transplant. A large proportion (60%) of lung donations were transported on high-speed trains and commercial flights or highways and commercial flights. Grafts in the preservation containers were handed over to the receiving staff at the airport for 40% (10/25) of donations, which reduced the unnecessary quarantine of transporting staff entering the city. Listed candidates were urgently transferred to other qualified centers in 17.9% of cases (5/28), which reduced the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 exposure in Coronavirus Disease 2019–designated hospitals. The 90-day survival of the transplant recipients in 2020 was 85.7%, including 3 of 5 recipients (60%) who had critically severe Coronavirus Disease 2019. ConclusionsLung transplant and donation amid Coronavirus Disease 2019 can be performed safely with coordinated efforts on medical resource sharing and medical staff protection based on stratification of the infection risk. Outcomes were not compromised during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak. Lung transplantion can be regarded as salvage therapy for critical patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 with a confirmed positive turned negative virology status.

Neurological telemedicine in the COVID-19 era.

Many neurologists have used telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have shown that videolinks in acute care can save personal protective equipment and protect staff. Furthermore, the telephone can provide supra-hospital care in Parkinson disease and manage patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis well. The primacy of face-to face care has been dented.

Protective Measures of Healthcare Professionals to Face COVID-19: Case of China and Morocco

A novel virus has emerged to the world causing a new pandemic of respiratory infection. On February 2020, the World Health Organization named it Corona disease 2019. The emergence of this epidemic was first reported in Wuhan, China in late December 2019, before it spread to other countries. In response to this pandemic, the World Health Organization has stressed the need for strengthening health professionals worldwide. Indeed, adequate protective measures can help protect patients and staff from the transmission of a highly infectious disease. Managing COVID-19 patients exposes healthcare professionals to the risk of contracting the disease and transmitting it to those around them. This risk is very high because of the mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, which is transmitted by inhalation, contact with droplets and infected surfaces which makes it a very contagious disease. Thus, adequate precautions in healthcare establishments can help mitigate this risk, such as adopting several protective measures including personal protective equipment. By the same vein, healthcare professionals run a high risk of anxiety, stress, depression and burnout when managing COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the protection of the mental health of these health workers also includes psychological support measures. In this regard, this article purports to describe the health and safety measures related to the prevention of the risk of COVID-19 infection to health professionals in China and Morocco. On the other hand, it seeks to present the psychological support measures for these agents in the two aforementioned countries.

Tailored HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Intervention Needs from a Latent Class Analysis Among U.S. Healthcare Providers.

Interventions are needed to expand HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescribing practices among healthcare providers, but research classifying providers to determine tailored intervention needs is lacking. Providers reported demographics, factors related to HIV treatment and prevention experience, and PrEP-related factors such as knowledge and community protection beliefs via online survey. Latent class analysis grouped providers with similar patterns of HIV prevention- and treatment-related care and tested for associations with demographics and PrEP-related factors. Three distinct classes of providers emerged: (1) PrEP naïve, (2) PrEP aware, and (3) PrEP prescribers. Providers with lower community protection beliefs and staff capacity were more likely to be classified as PrEP naïve compared to aware (ps < 0.05). Providers with concerns about PrEP-related tasks and staff capacity were more likely to be classified as PrEP aware compared to prescribers (ps < 0.05). PrEP-naïve providers could benefit from continuing education, whereas PrEP-aware providers might benefit from capacity building and prescribing optimization interventions.

Аналіз основних методологічних засад, закладених у проєкт доктрини зі скритого управління військами (силами)

Метою статті є аналізу основних методологічних засад, закладених у проєкт Доктрини зі скритого управління військами (силами), розроблений робочою групою офіцерів Житомирського військового інституту імені С. П. Корольова спільно із Центральним управлінням охорони державної таємниці та захисту інформації Генерального штабу Збройних Сил України. Ця Доктрина є системою поглядів на порядок організації, забезпечення та контролю стану скритого управління військами (силами) під час застосування сил оборони та їх підготовки до застосування. Документ ґрунтується на досвіді управління військами (силами) під час навчань і мобілізаційних заходів, під час застосування підрозділів охорони державної таємниці та захисту інформації в процесі проведення антитерористичної операції (операції Об’єднаних сил) на сході України, а також ураховує світовий досвід ведення воєнних дій у воєнних конфліктах та досвід країн – членів і партнерів НАТО.

Preparing for the COVID-19 Pandemic From a Community Hospital Perspective: Team of Teams Approach.

This report describes one community hospital emergency department’s (ED's) experience in preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on both our community and our ED, several proposals were reviewed. Strategies were employed to ensure the protection of ED staff and to lessen the impact of potential patient volume surges. A plan was agreed upon using the “team of teams” approach. Using this method, we achieved our goal of having a plan in place to manage the impact of the pandemic and safely care for our patients.

Covid-19 a hepatogastroenterologie

The new coronavirus disease (covid-19) pandemic has become a global health and social issue with specific context in gastroenterology and hepatology. The organisational and restrictive measures are similar to those in other instrumental specialties and include the protection of patients and staff in reaction to the current epidemiological situation and presumed infection route. In addition to this specific protection, the effects of covid-19 on other aspects of the field leading to potential limitation of health care and adversely affecting other diseases must be minimised. In endoscopy, this protection is predominantly oral in focus due to the respiratory route of the infection; transmission through excrement and instruments is possible but insignificant. Gastrointestinal and liver manifestations of the infection represent a significant part of the overall symptomatology and may correlate with the severity of the disease. Covid-19 does not deteriorate the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and likewise, the immunosuppressive and biological treatment of IBD patients does not worsen in the course of the infection. Higher mortality was reported with corticosteroid therapy. The combination of liver disease and covid-19 is under investigation. Viral hepatitis does not represent a significant risk; however, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced liver cirrhosis are risk factors. The available data on the effects of transplantation are sporadic; its insignificance is further supported by our own experience at IKEM as well as documented data on renal insufficiency and kidney transplant, which show a higher risk. Furthermore, interactions of antiviral and immunosuppressive drugs are being investigated. Atazanavir, lopinavir and to a lesser extent chloroquine and hydrochloroquine are not considered to be suitable. On the other hand, there are no considerable interactions with remdesivir.

Risk stratification of emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic within the emergency department

HintergrundDie COVID-19-Pandemie stellt für das Personal der Zentralen Notaufnahme (ZNA) eine sehr komplexe Herausforderung dar. Neben der regulären Notfallversorgung ist die frühzeitige Detektion und Isolation von COVID-19-Fällen erforderlich, um eine hausinterne Transmission der Infektion zu verhindern und den Schutz des Personals zu gewährleisten.MethodenEs wurde ein Modell zur Risikostratifizierung von SARS-CoV-2-Verdachts- und COVID-19-Fällen mit 5 Risikokategorien (RK) auf Basis der Kriterien des Robert-Koch Instituts (RKI) entwickelt und in der ZNA implementiert. Durch Verknüpfung der COVID-19-Risikokategorien mit spezifischen Isolations‑, Hygiene- und Personalschutzmaßnahmen wurden alle Bereiche der ZNA neu strukturiert. Retrospektiv erfolgte die statistische Auswertung aller stationären Fälle (n = 491) innerhalb eines vierwöchigen Zeitraums.ErgebnisseIm Patientenkollektiv wurden n = 25 (5,1 %) SARS-CoV-2-positive Fälle identifiziert. Diese verteilten sich prozentual auf die Risikokategorien wie folgt: RK I – bestätigte SARS-CoV-2-Infektion 36 % (n = 9), RK II – begründete Verdachtsfälle 32 % (n = 8), RK III – differenzialdiagnostische Abklärung 12 % (n = 3), RK IV – geringe Wahrscheinlichkeit 8 % (n = 2) und RK V – kein Verdacht 12 % (n = 3). Bis dato ist keine Transmission der SARS-CoV-2-Infektion bei Mitarbeitern oder Patienten in der ZNA aufgetreten.SchlussfolgerungDie Einführung der COVID-19-Risikokategorien ermöglicht die zentrale Steuerung der krankenhaushygienisch relevanten Prozesse einer ZNA im Kontext der COVID-19-Pandemie. Durch eine stetige Reevaluation der Falldefinitionen können lokale Ausbruchssituationen berücksichtigt werden. Die COVID-19-Risikostratifizierung ermöglicht eine strikte Trennung von COVID-19/Non-COVID-19-Notfällen und stellt so die nosokomiale Infektionsprävention für Personal und Patienten sicher.

Management of bacteriological specimens of patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Management of bacteriological specimens of patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Home Health Staff Perspectives on Infection Prevention and Control: Implications for Coronavirus Disease 2019

ObjectivesThe role of home healthcare (HHC) services in providing care to vulnerable, often frail individuals with chronic conditions is critical. Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) in HHC is essential to keeping both healthcare workers and patients safe, especially in the event of an emerging infectious disease outbreak. Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, we explored successes and challenges with IPC from the perspectives of HHC staff. DesignQualitative descriptive study. Setting and ParticipantsFrom May to November 2018, we conducted in-depth telephone interviews with 41 staff from 13 agencies across the nation. MethodsTranscripts were coded by a multidisciplinary coding team, and several primary and subcategories were identified using directed content analysis. ResultsFour primary categories were generated including (1) uniqueness of HHC; (2) IPC as a priority; (3) importance of education; and (4) keys to success and innovation. Participants perceived that IPC plays a big part in patient safety and reducing rehospitalizations, and protection of patients and staff was a major motivator for compliance with IPC. The identified challenges included the unpredictability of the home environment, patient/family dynamics, the intermittent nature of HHC, and staffing issues. Education was seen as a tool to improve staff, patient, caregiver and families' compliance with IPC. Keys to success and innovation included a leadership focus on quality, using agency infection data to improve quality, and a coordinated approach to patient care. Conclusions and ImplicationsThis qualitative work identified barriers to effective IPC in HHC, as well as important facilitators that HHC agencies can use to implement policies and procedures to improve patient care and keep staff safe. Leadership prioritization of IPC is key to implementing appropriate IPC policies and may be especially important in midst of a crisis such as coronavirus disease 2019.

State Actions and Shortages of Personal Protective Equipment and Staff in U.S. Nursing Homes.

BACKGROUNDIt is crucial that nursing homes have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and staff to protect residents and staff from COVID‐19. Some states have taken actions to mitigate shortages of PPE and staffing in nursing homes, including creating dedicated long‐term care (LTC) teams and supporting staffing capacity.OBJECTIVETo examine whether state actions and nursing home characteristics are associated with shortages of PPE and staffing.DESIGN AND SETTINGFacility‐level data, released July 31, 2020, from the Nursing Home COVID‐19 Public File, were combined with data from other sources. Our sample was the 13,445 facilities with information about PPE and staffing shortages for each of the 5 weeks between the week ending June 21, 2020, and the week ending July 19, 2020. Associations between facility characteristics and shortages were examined using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models.MEASUREMENTSOutcome variables were whether or not a facility lacked a 1‐week supply of PPE (“PPE shortage”) and whether or not a facility had a staffing shortage during 1 or more weeks over the 5‐week study period.RESULTSOver the 5‐week study period, 27.6% of facilities reported 1 or more weeks of PPE shortage, 30.2% of facilities reported at least 1 week of staffing shortage, and 46.5% of facilities lacked PPE and/or staff. Facilities located in states in the Northeast PPE Consortium or with LTC teams were modestly less likely to have had a PPE shortage, and facilities located in states that implemented processes to match job seekers with LTC facilities were marginally significantly less likely to have had a staffing shortage.CONCLUSIONGiven that nearly half of U.S. nursing homes recently faced a shortage of PPE and/or staff, and that state budget deficits may limit further state actions, ongoing federal assistance with PPE and staffing of nursing homes is needed.

Psychological Problems and Intervention Strategies of Front-Line Nurses Fighting against Covid-19

The front-line nurses who fight against the Covid-19 epidemic situation have high work intensity, high risk of infection and high risk of mental health. Psychological intervention is very important for the physical and mental health of nursing staff. Through the analysis of the working state, stress disorder and mental health factors of front-line nursing staff, this paper puts forward some psychological intervention countermeasures and suggestions, such as early psychological crisis intervention, strengthening the emergency drill of public health events, establishing professional belief, strengthening the labor protection of female nursing staff, etc., for the reference of professionals and relevant departments

COVID ‐19 safety: aerosol‐generating procedures and cardiothoracic surgery and anaesthesia — Australian and New Zealand consensus statement

IntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a contagious disease that is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Health care workers are at risk of infection from aerosolisation of respiratory secretions, droplet and contact spread. There are a number of procedures that represent a high risk of aerosol generation during cardiothoracic surgery. It is important that adequate training, equipment and procedures are in place to reduce that risk.RecommendationsWe provide a number of key recommendations, which reduce the risk of aerosol generation during cardiothoracic surgery and help protect patients and staff. These include general measures such as patient risk stratification, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, consideration to delay surgery in positive patients, and careful attention to theatre planning and preparation. There are also recommended procedural interventions during airway management, transoesophageal echocardiography, cardiopulmonary bypass, chest drain management and specific cardiothoracic surgical procedures. Controversies exist regarding the management of low risk patients undergoing procedures at high risk of aerosol generation, and recommendations for these patients will change depending on the regional prevalence, risk of community transmission and the potential for asymptomatic patients attending for these procedures.Changes in management as a result of this statementThis statement reflects changes in management based on expert opinion, national guidelines and available evidence. Our knowledge with regard to COVID‐19 continues to evolve and with this, guidance may change and develop. Our colleagues are urged to follow national guidelines and institutional recommendations regarding best practices to protect their patients and themselves.Endorsed byAustralian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons and the Anaesthetic Continuing Education Cardiac Thoracic Vascular and Perfusion Special Interest Group.

Managing the delivery of quality cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic in a small community cancer clinic.

45 Background: The global pandemic resulting from COVID-19 has resulted in over 400,000 deaths and nearly 7 million active cases at the time of writing this abstract (World Health Organization, 2020). This Public Health Emergency (PHE) represents an unprecedented challenge for oncologists and cancer patients alike. They are met with the challenge of providing uninterrupted care to cancer patients, a predicament that includes a balance between the use of immunosuppressive chemotherapy, it’s potential impact on contracting COVID-19 and the risk of cancer progression. Liang et al reported that cancer patients were not only at very high risk of contracting COVID -19, but also at a much higher risk of complications and death. Our medium sized oncology practice rapidly adapted to meet the challenge to continue to provide care. Methods: Employee and patient safety: Implement CDC recommendations in waiting room, infusion suites and supply of PPE. Categorize patients into priorities based on severity and need of treatment. Implement telehealth. Implement care in accordance to Cancer Patients Assessment and Treatment Priority Determination (top, intermediate and low priority)–Table. As a part of our initial strategy, we discussed the risk and balance of postponing chemotherapy or elective surgery for stable cancer patients during the first phase of closures. We also focused on more intensive surveillance in the older patient population or those with multiple high-risk comorbidities. For patients in complete remission on maintenance therapy, we balanced risk and benefit of stopping chemotherapy. In other patients, we considered the option of switching their chemotherapy regimen from IV to oral therapies, where clinically appropriate, to decrease the frequency of clinic visits and potential exposure. In cases where the option of non-immunosuppressive oral therapy is existed, we implemented the same. Results: Our clinic continues to provide uninterrupted care since the declaration of PHE. We saw a drop of 25% patient volume in March and 35% in April. However, with instant adaptation and implementation of CDC recommendations patient volume reached back to pre COVID 19 related emergency. None of our employees, their dependents nor any of our patients have contracted COVID-19 to date (according to DHEC feedback) at the time of writing. We had a total of 5082 patients visits (1261 chemo visits). Conclusions: By implementing the right steps and precautions, it is possible to provide continued care for and protect staff, physicians and patients. [Table: see text]

Increased microbial loading in aerosols produced by non-contact air-puff tonometer and relative suggestions for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

ObjectiveTo evaluate the microbial loading in aerosols produced after air-puff by non-contact tonometer (NCT) as well as the effect of alcohol disinfection on the inhibition of microbes and thus to provide suggestions for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in ophthalmic departments of hospitals or clinics during the great pandemics.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in this study. A NIDEK NCT was used for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement for patients who visited Department of Ophthalmology in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University during March 18–25 2020. After ultra-violate (UV) light disinfection, the room air was sampled for 5 minutes. Before and after alcohol disinfection, the air samples and nozzle surface samples were respectively collected by plate exposure method and sterile moist cotton swab technique after predetermined times of NCT air-puff. Microbial colony counts were calculated after incubation for 48 hours. Finally, mass spectrometry was performed for the accurate identification of microbial species.ResultsIncreased microbial colonies were detected from air samples close to NCT nozzle after air-puff compared with air samples at a distance of 1 meter from the nozzle (p = 0.001). Interestingly, none microbes were detected on the surface of NCT nozzle. Importantly, after 75% alcohol disinfection less microbes were detected in the air beside the nozzle (p = 0.003). Microbial species identification showed more than ten strains of microbes, all of which were non-pathogenic.ConclusionAerosols containing microbes were produced by NCT air-puff in the ophthalmic consultation room, which may be a possible virus transmission route in the department of ophthalmology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcohol disinfection for the nozzle and the surrounding air was efficient at decreasing the microbes contained in the aerosols and theoretically this prevention measure could also inhibit the virus. This will give guidance for the prevention of virus transmission and protection of hospital staff and patients.

Physical and Psychological Protection for Medical Staff During COVID-19

This paper summarizes the personal protection and psychological health treatment measures for medical staff in response to various infectious diseases at home and abroad in recent years, and finds out the deficiencies of physical and psychological protection measures for medical staff, thus providing corresponding measures for further improving physical and mental protection for medical staff thus providing corresponding measures for further improving physical and psychological protection for medical staff so as to provide reference for medical staff to effectively cope with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

VP45.26: Pregnant patient infected by SARS‐CoV2: management protocol in the delivery room of the General Hospital of Mexico

Standardise a delivery care protocol as a tool in pregnant women with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV2. The steps of care for patients with COVID-19 in the delivery room were structured by extrapolating the electronic information obtained from the main databases such as: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, SCIENCE, on relevant information in case reports, randomised studies and systematic reviews. for the management of these patients. The recommendations and suggestions of the different studies were taken into account, taking into account the guidelines that govern our country and the institution itself. In Mexico and Latin America, universal screening in the delivery room is not possible and before this, the SARS-CoV mnemonic was established in the obstetric patient care: S Suspicious (all patients were considered suspicious) A Avoid (avoid contact with surgical mask and face shield in all patients and health personnel) R Respiratory (respiratory triage) S Saturation (oxygen saturation) C Critical patient (clinical, biochemical and imaging criteria) O Obstetric (obstetric condition) V Viability (fetal viability) In the General Hospital of Mexico during April-May 2020, 161 patients were hospitalised, 149 as SARS-CoV2 suspects and 12 patients confirmed by rt-PCR, maternal age 27 +- 7.5 years, gestational age 39.2 +- 2.2 weeks. 83/149 (55.7%) Caesarean section, 66/149 (44.3%) vaginal delivery, so far without maternal or neonatal mortality. With the implementation of the protocol, there is no SARS-CoV2 infection in health personnel. There are limited data on the impact of the current outbreak of COVID-19 in pregnant women, the important thing is to establish management guidelines according to the tools that each care centre has to reduce maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality as well as protect staff from health to work in it. We intend this protocol to be a useful tool for other obstetric care hospitals, we recommend that delivery care be by obstetric indication and not by the positive SARS-CoV2 test.

Challenges and Facilitators to Effective Infection Prevention in Home Health Care: Results From Qualitative Interviews of Home Health Care Services

Background: As the population of older Americans with chronic conditions continues to grow, the role of home health care (HHC) services in improving care transitions between acute care and independent living has become a national priority. Infection prevention and control (IPC) is often a focus of quality improvement initiatives at HHC agencies. In this study, we investigated barriers and facilitators of effective IPC in HHC. Methods: In 2018, we conducted in-depth, telephone interviews with 41 staff from 13 agencies across the United States including administrators, IPC and quality improvement personnel, registered nurses and HHC aides. Interview transcripts were coded in NVivo v 12 software (QSR International), and themes were identified using content analysis. Results: We identified 4 themes: (1) IPC as a priority, (2) uniqueness of home health care, (3) importance of education, and (4) keys to success and innovation. When discussing the top priorities in the agency, participants described IPC as a big part of patient safety and as playing a major role in reducing rates of rehospitalization. Protection of patients and staff was described as a major motivator for compliance with IPC policies and procedures, and agencies placed specific focus on improving hand hygiene, bag technique, and disinfection of equipment. Almost all participants described the uniqueness of providing health care in a patient’s home, which was often talked about as an unpredictable environment due to lack of cleanliness, presence of pets and/or pests, and family dynamics. Furthermore, the intermittent nature of HHC was described as affecting effective implementation of IPC procedures. Education was seen as a tool to improve and overcome patient, caregiver, and families’ lack of compliance with IPC procedures. However, to be effective educators and role models, participants stated that they themselves needed to be properly educated on IPC policies and procedures. Several keys to success and innovation were discussed including (1) agency reputation as a key driver of quality; (2) agency focus on quality and patient satisfaction; (3) using agency infection data to improve the quality of patient care; (4) utilizing all available resources within and outside of the agency, and (5) a coordinated approach to patient care with direct, multimodal communication among all clinical disciplines. Conclusions: This qualitative work identified barriers to effective infection prevention and control in HHC and important facilitators that HHC agencies can use to improve implementation of policies and procedures to improve patient care.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Safety and Health Protection of Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The fact that COVID-19 has caused illness resulting in death has sustained human-to-human spread, is concerning. The disease has a high mortality rate of between 3 and 15%.1 At the time of writing, the coronavirus COVID-19 is transmitted widely among populations and has affected 216 countries with more than 5,934,936 cases globally and almost 367,166 deaths.2 Rapid global spread of this new virus is a major public health concern in the world.2 Therefore, healthcare workers, governments and managers need to co-operate to fight against COVID-19 pandemic and it has become increasingly important to address the safety and health protection of healthcare workers. Healthcare workers are under both physical and psychological pressure due to exposure to this huge infectious public health problem.3 As of 8 April 2020, 22,073 cases of COVID-19 among health workers from 52 countries had been reported to the World Health Organization(WHO)(2). The role of health workers is vital; they are at the frontline of any outbreak response. They save lives while encountering the hazards that put them at risk of infection with COVID-19 outbreak pathogen. The hazards include physical and psychological violence, long working hours, emotional reactions, fatigue, occupational burnout, stigma, shortage of personal protective equipment, concern about infecting themselves and their family members, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.3, 4 Therefore, it is imperative to ensure protection for medical staff from hazards not only to safeguard the patients, but also to ensure their health and safety. Hence, the safety and health problems of medical staff in COVID-19 outbreak have become an important public health concern.4, 5 Evidence suggests implementation of a series of safety and psychological protective measures by managers. Employers and managers in health facilities must take overall responsibility to ensure that all necessary preventive and protective measures are taken to recognize problems and hazards and assess the risks of health workers’ health and safety. They are required to provide information, instruction and training on occupational safety and health, provide adequate personal protective equipment supplies (such as N95 masks, goggles, and protective gowns) in sufficient quantity, reasonable work shift arrangements, sufficient logistical support and comfortable accommodations to healthcare staff during this COVID-19 pandemic. Employers and managers in health facilities should also provide access to mental health professionals and counselling resources to relieve the symptoms in healthcare workers who experience depression, anxiety and psychological distress and seek to recover them from occupational hazards.3-5 In conclusion, the managers and employers are suggested to be more sensitive about the health problems with which the medical staff might encounter. Therefore, implementing a series of preventive and protective measures and psychological supportive interventions to ensure the safety and health in healthcare workers could be helpful to overcome this disaster.