• Coronaviruses make up a large family of viruses, some of which cause illness in humans

• COVID-19 is the name of the respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2

Transmission occurs via droplet and contact. Most commonly spread from an infected person through:

• Coughing and sneezing

• Close personal contact, touching, or shaking hands

• Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.

Airborne spread is NOT known to occur outside of aerosol-generating medical procedures (AGMPs)

• Intubation and extubation procedures

• High frequency oscillary ventilation

• Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar lavage

• Laryngoscopy

• Positive pressure ventilation: BIPAP, CPAP

• High-flow heated humidity oxygen therapy (e.g. AIRVO, OptiFlow) (NOTE: Non-humidified oxygen delivered through nasal prongs and/or non-rebreather masks are NOT an AGMP, regardless of flow rate)

• Induced sputum

• CPR with bag valve mask ventilation

• Tracheostomy insertion/care**/tube change/decannulation (care does not include dressing changes or tie changes)

• Tracheotomy

• Nasopharyngeal aspirates, washes and scopes (not a nasopharygeal swab)

• Autopsies involving respiratory tissues

• Open airway suctioning

• Break in closed ventilation system

• Administration of nebulized medications: Avoid the use of nebulizer if possible. Use of alternatives such as meter-dose inhaler with spacer are preferable

• Fever, chills

• Cough or worsening of a previous cough

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms

• Muscle aches

• Sneezing

• Nasal congestion/runny nose

• Hoarse voice

• Diarrhea

• Unusual fatigue

• Loss of sense of smell or taste

• Red, purple or blueish lesions, on the feet, toes or fingers without clear cause

• Hospitalization is not required for mild presentations unless there is concern for rapid deterioration, an inability to return promptly to hospital, or a Public Health contraindication.

• Patients should be aware of potential progression in symptoms and when / how to seek medical attention.

• Confirm there are no Public Health contraindications to discharge (e.g. homeless, living in a group home or shelter, cohabitation with a high−risk individual without ability to self−isolate in the home).

• Review follow up process by Public Health.

• Review self-isolation practices and principles of personal hygiene with patient and family.

• Guideline adapted from the Fraser Health Antimicrobial Stewardship Program

• Content Adapted from Saskatchewan Health Authority