Cancer Care Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Figures & data

Figure 1 Schematic structure of coronavirus. The virus is an enveloped, non-segmented, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. The virion has a nucleocapsid composed of genomic RNA and phosphorylated nucleocapsid (N) protein, which is buried inside phospholipid bilayers and covered by the spike glycoprotein trimmer (S). The membrane (M) protein hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) and the envelope (E) protein are located among the S proteins in the virus envelope.²⁹

Table 1 Some Recommendations for the Management of Health Care Workers (HCWs) in COVID-19 Infection^59,60

HCWs with Low Risks for COVID-19 Infection

HCWs with High Risks for COVID-19 Infection

They should monitor their body temperature and respiratory symptoms daily for 14 days after the last day of exposure to COVID-19 patients. HCWs should consider contact and droplet precautions when caring for all patients with acute respiratory illness and standard precautions to take care of all patients. Airborne precautions for aerosol-generating procedures on all suspects and confirmed COVID-19 patients should be taken into account. The application of personal protective equipment when exposed to confirmed COVID-19 patients consistently. HCWs should do WHO’s “My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene” before touching a patient, before any clean or aseptic procedure, after exposure to body fluid, after touching a patient, and after touching a patient’s surroundings. They should practice respiratory etiquette at all times.

Health care interactions with patients for a period of 14 days after the last day of exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 patient should be stopped. They should be tested for COVID-19 infection. They should be quarantined for 14 days. Providing full PPE, including disposable gown, eye protection, gloves, and either an N95 mask or a powered air-purifying respirator for staff involved in the aerosol-generating procedures like airway suctioning, intubation, and bronchoscopy. Psychosocial support has to be provided for HCW during quarantine or throughout the duration of illness if an HCW is confirmed to have COVID-19. A review of IPC training should be provided for the health care facility staff after a 14-day quarantine period.

Abbreviations: PPE, personal protective equipment; IPC, infection prevention and control.

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