Practice Management Alert

Answer: The answer can vary with the ways that particular diseases spread. As experts understand things right now, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the disease COVID-19, spreads through droplet particles, though there is evidence that it may sometimes spread through airborne particles as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Close contact for healthcare exposures is defined as follows: a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters), of a person with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (such as caring for or visiting the patient; or sitting within 6 feet of the patient in a healthcare waiting area or room); or b) having unprotected direct contact with infectious secretions or excretions of the patient (e.g., being coughed on, touching used tissues with a bare hand).”

The CDC counts anyone who works in in a healthcare facility, including “all paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials, including body substances; contaminated medical supplies, devices, and equipment; contaminated environmental surfaces; or contaminated air” as healthcare personnel (HCP).

If you’re making infection control and prevention decisions on the behalf of your practice, make sure you take cleaning staff and medical supply delivery people into consideration.