Overview

This document is the second edition of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) interim guidance on infection prevention and control (IPC) during healthcare provision for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases, published in September 2020. It targets all healthcare workers (HCWs), facility management teams, and IPC teams at all levels of healthcare in Nigeria. The document provides comprehensive recommendations to limit or prevent transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare settings. Key strategies include: 1) early recognition and source control through the 'Screen, Isolate, Notify' (S-I-N) approach, detailing how to screen individuals for COVID-19, isolate suspect cases, and notify authorities; 2) applying standard precautions for all patients at all times, including hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental cleaning, and waste management; 3) implementing empiric additional precautions; 4) implementing administrative controls; and 5) using engineering and environmental controls including ventilation. The guidance also covers IPC during sample collection from patients with suspected COVID-19, considerations for surgical procedures, recommendations for outpatient care, safe management of the dead, and monitoring and evaluation of IPC practices. Background information notes that COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, transmitted primarily via respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Download