A recent work posted to the Research Square* preprint server and under consideration at Scientific Reports assessed infection control strategies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in hospital consultation rooms.

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a serious concern for human health and the global economy. COVID-19 primarily spread through indirect and direct contact with respiratory droplets. Recently, airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has also been reported.

Healthcare professionals are at the front lines of SARS-CoV-2 patient care and have an increased risk for viral infection due to their close interaction with COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the safety of healthcare staff is critical to the healthcare system's long-term viability.

Despite the recommended infection control procedures for healthcare professionals, many have been infected during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that the existing infection control techniques are ineffective. Furthermore, data regarding environmental variables' impact and proof-based approaches to lower SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in healthcare settings are lacking.

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