COVID-19 and the General Surgical Department – Measures to Reduce Spread of SARS-COV-2 Among Surgeons

Abstract

Situation Report -51 SITUATION IN NUMBERS total and new cases in last 24 hours Globally 118 319 confirmed (4620 new) 4292 deaths (280 new) China 80 955 confirmed (31 new) 3162 deaths (22 new) Outside of China 37 364 confirmed (4589 new) 1130 deaths (258 new) 113 countries/territories/ areas (4 new) WHO RISK ASSESSMENT China Very High Regional Level Very High Global Level Very High HIGHLIGHTS SUBJECT IN FOCUS: Risk Communication guidance -COVID-19, older adults and people with underlying medical conditionsThe virus that causes COVID-19 infects people of all ages. However, evidence to date suggests that two groups of people are at a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 disease. These are older people (that is people over 60 years old); and those with underlying medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer). The risk of severe disease gradually increases with age starting from around 40 years. It's important that adults in this age range protect themselves and in turn protect others that may be more vulnerable.WHO has issued advice for these two groups and for community support to ensure that they are protected from COVID-19 without being isolated, stigmatized, left in a position of increased vulnerability or unable to access basic provisions and social care. This advice covers the subject of receiving visitors, planning for supplies of medication and food, going out safely in public and staying connected with others through phone calls or other means. It is essential that these groups are supported by their communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. WHO emphasizes that all people must protect themselves from COVID-19, which will also protect other.

Roadmap for Restarting Elective Surgery During/After COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Realization of transmission risks through droplets and aerosolization has prompted coining of term "universal respiratory precautions" and its widespread implementation among the HCPs [26]. Many measures during the current outbreak were adopted from lessons learnt during the 2003 SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak [27].…”

COVID-19 and Obesity—the Management of Pre- and Post-bariatric Patients Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…These include but are not limited to the following: perforated marginal ulcer, bleeding, anastomotic or staple-line leak, intestinal obstruction including internal herniation, gastric band perforation, or prolapse. As surgical teams are being redeployed in alternative roles during this pandemic [23], measures must be taken to ensure the integrity of emergency surgical teams to deal with potential bariatric emergencies.…”

Health-Related Quality of Life and Influencing Factors of Pediatric Medical Staff During the COVID-19 Outbreak

“…According to published studies, pediatric outpatients (73.11%) and hospitalized patients (33.09%) are most likely to suffer from respiratory disease as compared with other types of illnesses (10). While the pediatric medical staff were at high risk of infection, their workload was also increased tremendously due to the additional safety protocols to minimize COVID-19 transmission within the pediatric wards (11)(12)(13)(14). Additionally, since parents were not allowed into the wards due to COVID-19 restrictions, pediatric medical staff often faced higher professional pressure on a daily basis as a result of close parental oversight and had to take on additional roles as parental figures to care for the needs of the young patients (15)(16)(17).…”