Position Statement on the Movement of Anaesthesia Practitioners Between Hospital/facility Sites during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Guidance documents released by SASA around COVID-19. Version 2. 15 April 2020.
SASA recognises that South African Anaesthesia practice may vary from the rest of the world with respect to the movement of anaesthetists between hospitals. Whereas many countries employ anaesthetists at a single hospital, in South Africa it is routine for ananaesthetist to move between hospitals to do theatre lists.
The SARS-CoV2 virus is transmitted by droplet and aerosol spread. However, the virus is viable on surfaces for periods that vary depending on the nature of the surface. There isconcern that healthcare workers may be inadvertent vectors for the spread of the virus, both by direct transmission and by fomite spread.
Given the unique nature of practice in South Africa, there are currently no published international guidelines which speak to this risk. Consequently, SASA provides these guidelines to assist with rational decision making in this regard.
These guidelines have been published by South African Society of Anaesthesiologists. EMGuidance confirms that it is not the owner of the information provided, nor does it intend to present it as such.