Prevention
General
General prevention measures for the public include:1
- Restricting movement and travel
- Self-monitoring and self-isolating after return from travel
- Practising social distancing, also referred to as physical distancing, staying at least 2 metres away from others
- Practising respiratory hygiene
- Hand washing
Prevention for nurses, health-care providers and health-care settings include all of the above, as well as the following infection prevention and control measures:2
- Prompt identification of symptomatic persons/possible cases
- Appropriate risk assessment
- Management and placement of probable and confirmed cases
- Investigation and follow-up of close contacts
Administrative controls can assist with preventing exposure:
- Triage for identification and placement of patients
- Masks, tissues and alcohol-based hand rub at all entrances
- Prominent signage instructing symptomatic patients to promptly present to health-care providers
- Limitation of visitors and movement for symptomatic patients
- Avoiding cohorting unless absolutely necessary
Personal protective equipment (routine practices and additional precautions):
- Gloves
- Long-sleeved gown
- Facial protection such as surgical mask and eye protection, face shield, or surgical/procedural mask with visor attachment
- N95 respirator and eye protection should be worn when performing aerosol-generating medical procedures (AGMPs)
Knowledge/resource/practice gaps
See CNA’s position on PPE and related knowledge/resource/practice gaps.