1. No Nosocomial Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between Healthcare Workers in Surgical Departments Unexposed to Covid-19 Patients
- Author
-
Burkhard, J, Lacher, S, Holy, D, Schenk, P, Schäfer, C, Kahr, P, Schreiber, V, Farshad, M, Uckay, Ilker, Burkhard, J, Lacher, S, Holy, D, Schenk, P, Schäfer, C, Kahr, P, Schreiber, V, Farshad, M, and Uckay, Ilker
- Abstract
Background: Covid-19 infections are usually community-acquired, but nosocomial outbreaks among patients and/or exposed Healthcare Workers (HCW) exist. However, the risk of pure nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission between HCWs remained unknown during the first pandemic wave, especially in the absence of exposure to hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Aim: During the first total lockdown, surgical HCW only cared emergency patients. This period is ideal to determine the epidemiology of purely inter-HCW transmission of Covid-19. Clinical Details: This study concerns the period of the total lockdown of the first wave in March-April 2020. It is performed in two different surgical services in Zurich Canton. Outcome: During the first wave of Covid-19, and in the absence of hospitalized Covid-19 patients, we found no confirmed nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between HCWs. Conclusion: Nosocomial extensions of the community-based Covid-19 pandemic are reported, but not due to viral interchange between surgical HCWs in hospitals during a total lockdown and the lack of hospitalized Covid-19 patients.
- Published
- 2020