Absence of contamination of personal protective equipment (PPE) by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Sean Wei Xiang Ong, Yian Kim Tan, Stephanie Sutjipto, Po Ying Chia, Barnaby Edward Young, Marcus Gum, Sok Kiang Lau, Mónica Chan, Shawn Vasoo, Shehara M Mendis, Boon Kiat Toh, Janice Leong, Timothy Barkham, Brenda Ang, Boon Huan Tan, Yee‐Sin Leo, Kalisvar Marimuthu, Michelle Wong, Oon Tek Ng
Abstract
Local transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in Singapore has been reported. 1As the pandemic spreads globally, increased utilization and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) are expected.Although extended PPE use would mitigate utilization rate, its safety is unknown.At the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, recommendations for healthcare workers (HCWs) in contact with known or suspected patients are in concordance with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends gloves, gown, respiratory protection (eg, disposable N95 respirator), and eye protection (eg, goggles or disposable face shield), without the use of shoe covers. 2 An initial pilot study showed no contamination of N95 and disposable face visors after patient care, although in 1 instance, SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was detected on the front surface of an HCW's shoe. 3 To evaluate the safety of extended PPE use, we conducted a 1-day PPE sampling study on HCWs caring for confirmed COVID-19 patients to ascertain the per contact episode risk of PPE contamination with SARS-CoV-2.