COVID-19

2019-nCoV

February 8, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released infection prevention guidance specifically for EMS clinicians and EMS personnel, based on the most up-to-date 2019-nCoV clinical recommendations and information from appropriate public health authorities and EMS medical direction. To date, the Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a single case of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Massachusetts, identified in Boston, on Saturday, February 1. The risk to Massachusetts residents continues to remain low at this time.

Please read and share the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for 2019-nCoV with your EMS colleagues. The full guidance is available online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-for-ems.html.

            This guidance shares important, updated information about patient assessment and recommendations for minimizing possible exposure by limiting the providers in the patient compartment to essential personnel, as well as specific cleaning and disinfection procedures.

In addition, on February 8, 2020 the CDC shared updates to its website, Healthcare Supply of Personal Protective Equipment that reinforce when personal protective equipment should be worn and strategies health care providers can take to optimize their N95 supply: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/healthcare-supply-ppe.html#manufacturers-distributors

For the latest information, visit the DPH 2019 Novel Coronavirus web site which is updated frequently: www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.