Environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare premises

Abstract

Objectives: A large number of healthcare workers (HCWs) were infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. Hospitals are significant epicenters for the human-to-human transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 for HCWs, patients, and visitors. No data has been reported on the details of hospital environmental contamination status in the epicenter of Wuhan. Methods: We collected 626 surface swabs within the Zhongnan Medical Center in Wuhan in the mist of the COVID-19 outbreak between February 7-February 27, 2020. Dacron swabs were aseptically collected from the surfaces of 13 hospital function zones, five major objects, and three major PPE. The SARS-CoV-2 RNAs were detected by reverse transcription-PCR. Results: The most contaminated zones were the intensive care unit specialized for taking care of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) (31.9%), Obstetric Isolation Ward specialized for pregnant women with NCP (28.1%), and Isolation Ward for NCP (19.6%). We classified the 13 zones into four contamination levels. The most contaminated objects were self-service printers (20.0%), desktop/keyboard (16.8%), and doorknob (16.0%). Both hand sanitizer dispensers (20.3%) and gloves (15.4%) were the most contaminated PPE. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the urgent need to ensure adequate environmental cleaning, strengthen infection prevention training, and improve infection prevention among HCWs during the outbreak of COVID-19.

Microbicidal actives with virucidal efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and other beta- and alpha-coronaviruses: implications for future emerging coronaviruses and other enveloped viruses

“…Secondary (indirect) transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through contamination of HITES by droplets and respiratory aerosols or other patient secretions/excretions (bronchoalveolar uid, sputum, mucus, blood, lacrimal uid, semen, urine, and feces) also is thought to occur [24][25][26][27] . The indirect transmission pathway, envisioned as a patient's bodily uids-HITES-hands-mucous membrane nexus, is supported by experimental transmission studies in animal models 28 and by the results of investigations of the contamination of HITES with SARS-CoV-2 RNA in healthcare settings 25,[29][30][31] . The detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in patient feces 32,33 , together with the data on survival of SARS-CoV-2 in fecal suspensions 20,21 , suggest that a fecal/oral or fecal/respiratory route of transmission is possible.…”

Where do we stand to oversee the coronaviruses in aqueous and aerosol environment? Characteristics of transmission and possible curb strategies

“…The facts of COVID-19 human-to-human transmission and SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA being detected on different inanimate surfaces and droplets in air in healthcare and patient's family settings have indicated the virus may be airborne transmission [52] , [55] , [135] , [136] , [137] , [138] . It is widely accepted that the respiratory droplets are the main transmission way when a person has close contact with an infected person [6] , [139] .…”

“…Furthermore, the virus RNA in the table, chair, floor, and fan surfaces has been detected in the patient’s room, which may create a condition to transfer virus [154] . A number of studies have shown that coronaviruses could persist (a few hours to days) on inanimate surfaces [10] , [51] , [95] , [135] , [155] .…”

La Red de las Américas para la Equidad en Salud: inclusión, compromiso y acción

“…Desafortunadamente, en este grupo poblacional la inequidad en salud y la exclusión son los desafíos más importantes para la salud pública y el bienestar. Dar prioridad a los mayores de 60 años con la participación de los equipos de salud de la APS es un área de oportunidad que debe aprovecharse durante la pandemia con estrategias de prevención, promoción, información, educación y comunicación de los factores de riesgo de las comorbilidades para evitar contagios y reducir la demanda de servicios curativos en hospitales de segundo y tercer nivel, que tienen un mayor riesgo de contaminación y transmisión con el SARS-CoV-2 ( 44 ).…”