Question 1

What precautions are needed for suspected COVID-19 or other novel respiratory viruses?

Accepted Answer

For suspected or confirmed COVID-19, WHO recommends contact and droplet precautions with airborne precautions during aerosol-generating procedures. Local or national guidelines may differ; the tool will reflect the most current WHO interim guidance.

Question 2

Can patients with the same MDRO be cohorted?

Accepted Answer

Cohorting patients colonised or infected with the same MDRO is acceptable provided the MDRO is confirmed to be the same strain (same resistance mechanism if typing is available) and no patient has an active uncontrolled infection. Cohorting should not compromise bed capacity for source control.

Question 3

When can a patient with C. difficile be removed from contact precautions?

Accepted Answer

Contact precautions should continue throughout the episode of diarrhoea and may be extended for 48 hours after symptom resolution. Some guidelines recommend maintaining precautions until discharge in long-term care settings due to persistent spore shedding.