NEWS RELEASE

IDSA Releases COVID-19 Infection Prevention Guidelines for Health Care Personnel

The Infectious Diseases Society of America has released eight recommendations on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for infection prevention among health care personnel caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Based on available evidence, and with acknowledgement of current “significant gaps” in understanding of SARS-CoV transmission dynamics, the guidelines address the use of appropriate PPE, which includes gowns, gloves and eye protection and adherence to standards for donning and doffing to minimize transmission. The guidelines address settings of varying resource levels, including those with, and lacking, sufficient PPE supplies. The recommendations are not intended to supersede physician judgement in response to specific patients or clinical situations.

An expert panel including specialists in infectious diseases, infection prevention and control, pediatrics, medical microbiology and public health developed the guidelines along with experts in guideline methodology. The guideline has received endorsement from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and the American Society of Microbiology.

The guidelines complement IDSA’s additional COVID-19 guidelines on treatment and management. IDSA also will release diagnostic testing guidelines. All guidelines will be frequently updated, and questions added, as substantive literature becomes available.