Suggestions on Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Ultrasound Department

Although the outbreak in China has been effectively controlled, the international situation of prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still poses a serious public health risk. COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO) due to its highly contagious nature, rapid transmission, swift clinical course, profound worldwide impact, and high mortality among critically ill patients. COVID-19 is mainly transmitted by respiratory droplets and contact routes, which could be effectively prevented by proper medical equipment and hand hygiene. However, due to the lack of effective protective measures and personal protective equipment of healthcare personnel in some area, the infectious rate of COVID-19 remains high, especially in clinical settings. At present, due to its portability and accuracy, ultrasound has been playing an indispensable role in the diagnosis, evaluation, and follow-up of COVID-19 patients, especially those in severe conditions. In the course of diagnosis and treatment, because sonographers often work closely with patients, coupled with the increasing number of patients and relatively poor ventilation in the working area, the risk of occupational exposure is undoubtedly high. This article combined the standard precaution methods with current Chinese government's COVID-19 strategy and polices, aiming to provide suggestions on the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic for ultrasound professionals.