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Coronaviruses (e.g., SARS, MERS and COVID-19)
Topic Collection
March 12, 2024

Topic Collection: Coronaviruses (e.g., SARS, MERS and COVID-19)

Healthcare facilities and emergency medical professionals need to be able to recognize and treat diseases - such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - caused by novel respiratory pathogens. This Topic Collection contains resources that can help medical emergency planners and health care professionals: learn more about managing patients experiencing illness from novel respiratory pathogens; understand infection control principles in healthcare and community settings; and benefit from lessons learned from past outbreaks.

NOTE: Access the ASPR TRACIE Novel Coronavirus Resources page for recent resources, plans, tools, templates, and technical assistance responses.

Please refer to the National Institutes of Health Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Guidelines and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Coronavirus Disease 2019 webpage for the most up-to-date guidance.

In addition to those listed in this Topic Collection, resources relevant to this outbreak may be found on our Infectious Diseases resource page and in the following Topic Collections:

Alternate Care Sites (including shelter medical care)

Continuity of Operations (COOP)/ Business Continuity Planning

Crisis Standards of Care

Ethics

Healthcare-Related Disaster Legal/ Regulatory/ Federal Policy

Hospital Surge Capacity and Immediate Bed Availability

Influenza Epidemic/ Pandemic

Mental/Behavioral Health (non-responders)

Responder Safety and Health

Virtual Medical Care

Each resource in this Topic Collection is placed into one or more of the following categories (click on the category name to be taken directly to that set of resources). Resources marked with an asterisk (*) appear in more than one category.

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Must Reads

ASPR TRACIE. (2022). Infection Prevention and Control: Incorporating Lessons Learned in Managing Special Pathogens.
Speakers share lessons learned in infection prevention and control from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Braden, C.R., Dowell, S.F., Jernigan, D.B., and Hughes, J.M. (2013). Progress in Global Surveillance and Response Capacity 10 years After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. (Podcast also available.) Emerging Infectious Diseases. 19(6):864-869.
Ten years after the World Health Organization (WHO) issued their first global alert for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the authors reviewed the critical gaps that remain in the global surveillance and response capacity for similar public health threats. Of 194 WHO member states that signed on to the International Health Regulations (2005), fewer than 20% had achieved compliance with the core capacities required by the deadline in June 2012. The authors emphasize the lessons learned from the global SARS outbreak (e.g., avoid complacency, use all available 21st century tools to strengthen capacity building efforts, and support research).
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Brouqui, P. (2009). Facing Highly Infectious Diseases: New Trends and Current Concepts. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 15(8):700-5.
This article includes guidelines for the care of patients with highly infectious diseases, with an emphasis on droplet precautions, isolation units, and need for healthcare worker training. The author advocates that protective measures for isolation units be modeled after those for biosafety level laboratories. Pediatric considerations are also included.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
This web page contains links to information on SARS for healthcare providers and laboratory professionals. Preparedness checklists for providers and healthcare facilities are included.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
This web page contains links to information on MERS for the public, healthcare providers and laboratory professionals including a frequently asked questions resource. Preparedness checklists for providers and healthcare facilities are included.
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Cheng, V.C., Chan, J.F., To, K.K., and Yuen, K.Y. (2013). Clinical Management and Infection Control of SARS: Lessons Learned. Antiviral Research. 100(2):407-19.
The authors review the 2003 SARS outbreak and discuss lessons learned, particularly with regard to treatment and containment activities. Summaries of studies conducted to identify risk factors and infection control measures, as well as to describe nosocomial outbreaks for affected countries, are included.
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Koplan, J.P., Butler-Jones, D., Tsang, T., and Yu, W. (2013). Public Health Lessons from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome a Decade Later. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 19(6): 861-863.
The authors summarize the eight “national and international policy, operational, and systems needs identified by public health officials" and emphasize the value of having a national public health institute in the preparedness and response phases of a public health emergency.
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Massachusetts General Hospital. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Toolkit.
This toolkit can help healthcare organizations plan and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors encourage hospitals to "review the materials and adapt them to their local context and health department regulations and procedures."
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Milne-Price, S., Miazgowicz, K.L., Munster, V.J. (2014). The Emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Pathogens and Disease. 71(2):121-36.
The authors provide a review of the knowledge base pertaining to the current MERS-CoV outbreak, including detection, clinical features, and interventions.
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Public Health England. (2017). Treatment of MERS-CoV: Information for Clinicians Clinical Decision-making Support for Treatment of MERS-CoV Patients.
This document from the UK public health service summarizes a literature review (based on SARS experience) for evidence-based treatment guidelines for MERS-CoV patients in the United Kingdom.
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Puro, V., Fusco, F.M., Lanini, S., et al. (2008). Risk Management of Febrile Respiratory Illness in Emergency Departments. The New Microbiologica. 31(2):165-73.
The authors use data from prior infectious disease outbreaks, including SARS in 2003, to emphasize how important it is for emergency departments to have effective screening and isolation protocols in place for febrile respiratory illness. Such protocols are critical to avoid possible disease transmission by infected patients in the waiting room to others also waiting to be seen.
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The Lancet. (2023). COVID-19 Resource Centre.
This web page provides links to 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) content from all Lancet journals as it is published.
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Trust for America's Health. (2015). Top Actions the United States Should Take to Prepare for MERS-CoV and Other Emerging Infections.
This document discusses gaps in preparedness for responding to emerging infectious diseases, and provides recommendations for health care facilities to prepare to identify and care for patients with MERS-CoV or other novel respiratory infections.
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World Health Organization. (2014). Infection Prevention and Control of Epidemic- and Pandemic-Prone Acute Respiratory Infections in Health Care: WHO Guidelines.
This document provides recommendations, best practices and principles for infection prevention and control for acute respiratory infections in health care, particularly those that present as epidemics or pandemics. It includes information on PPE and aerosol-generating procedures. There are also summaries of literature and research reviews on physical interventions for infection control; risk of transmission from aerosol-generating procedures; and effectiveness of vaccination of health care workers to protect patients.
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Clinical Management and Research

Al-Tawfiq, J.A., Momattin, H., Dib, J., and Memish, Z.A. (2014). Ribavirin and Interferon Therapy in Patients Infected with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: An Observational Study. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 20:42-6.
The authors reviewed the therapeutic schedule and outcomes for five MERS patients who received ribavirin and interferon combination therapy an average of 19 days post-admission. None of the patients responded to therapy and all died, suggesting that this therapy is ineffective in patients with co-morbidities who start treatment late in the course of their illness.
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* Assiri, A., Al-Tawfiq, J.A., Al-Rabeeah A.A., et al. (2013). Epidemiological, Demographic, and Clinical Characteristics of 47 Cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Disease from Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Study. (Abstract only.) Lancet Infectious Disease. (9):752-61.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health provided an analysis of 47 individuals with laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV disease. Data suggest that the clinical presentation of MERS-CoV infection ranges from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia with the acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock and multi-organ failure resulting in death. At least two cases had a consumptive coagulopathy during the course of their illness.
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Braden, C.R., Dowell, S.F., Jernigan, D.B., and Hughes, J.M. (2013). Progress in Global Surveillance and Response Capacity 10 years After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. (Podcast also available.) Emerging Infectious Diseases. 19(6):864-869.
Ten years after the World Health Organization (WHO) issued their first global alert for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the authors reviewed the critical gaps that remain in the global surveillance and response capacity for similar public health threats. Of 194 WHO member states that signed on to the International Health Regulations (2005), fewer than 20% had achieved compliance with the core capacities required by the deadline in June 2012. The authors emphasize the lessons learned from the global SARS outbreak (e.g., avoid complacency, use all available 21st century tools to strengthen capacity building efforts, and support research).
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* Brouqui, P. (2009). Facing Highly Infectious Diseases: New Trends and Current Concepts. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 15(8):700-5.
This article includes guidelines for the care of patients with highly infectious diseases, with an emphasis on droplet precautions, isolation units, and need for healthcare worker training. The author advocates that protective measures for isolation units be modeled after those for biosafety level laboratories. Pediatric considerations are also included.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005). Clinical Guidance on the Identification and Evaluation of Possible SARS-CoV Disease among Persons Presenting with Community-Acquired Illness (Version 2).
This page provides guidance for evaluating and diagnosing SARS-CoV infections.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Hospitalized Patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
This document provides guidance to hospitals and other healthcare settings on personal protective equipment recommendations, source control, and environmental infection control measures when managing patients with MERS-CoV.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
This web page contains links to information on SARS for healthcare providers and laboratory professionals. Preparedness checklists for providers and healthcare facilities are included.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Interim Guidance for Health Professionals. CDC.
This webpage provides interim clinical guidance to health care providers on the management, evaluation, infection control practices, laboratory testing, and reporting requirements for patients with MERS-CoV.
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* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
This web page contains links to information on MERS for the public, healthcare providers and laboratory professionals including a frequently asked questions resource. Preparedness checklists for providers and healthcare facilities are included.
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Chen, M.I., Chow, A.L., Earnest, A. et al. (2006). Clinical and Epidemiological Predictors of Transmission in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). BMC Infectious Diseases. 6:151.
The authors looked at factors contributing to SARS transmission in 98 index cases (22 with transmission; 76 without). They found several factors that seemed to contribute to transmission including delay to isolation; admission to a non-isolation facility; and higher lactate dehydrogenase levels of greater than 650 IU/L.
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* Cheng, V.C., Chan, J.F., To, K.K., and Yuen, K.Y. (2013). Clinical Management and Infection Control of SARS: Lessons Learned. Antiviral Research. 100(2):407-19.
The authors review the 2003 SARS outbreak and discuss lessons learned, particularly with regard to treatment and containment activities. Summaries of studies conducted to identify risk factors and infection control measures, as well as to describe nosocomial outbreaks for affected countries, are included.
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Donnelly, C., Malik, M., Elkholy, A., et al. (2019). Worldwide Reduction in MERS Cases and Deaths since 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 25(9).
The authors analyzed case-based data on laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV from 2012 to October 1, 2018. They estimated that 1,465 cases and between 293 and 520 deaths may have been averted since 2016 due to improved understanding of transmission, enhanced surveillance, and implementation of effective infection prevention and control measures in hospitals.
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Fowler, R.A., Kumar, A., Christian, M., and Martin, C.M. (n.d.). Guidance for the Management of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection in the Intensive Care Unit. (Accessed 1/9/2020.) Canadian Critical Care Society.
This document provides guidance on the identification and treatment of patients with severe acute respiratory infection in the intensive care unit (ICU).
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Gardner, L.M., and MacIntyre, C. R. (2014). Unanswered Questions About the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). BMC Research Notes. 7: 358.
The authors summarize the epidemiology of the ongoing MERS-CoV outbreak, noting its sporadic nature and unclear transmission routes. They call for additional research to answer unanswered questions about the disease so that effective interventions to control its spread may be implemented.
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Hadjiliadis, D., and Harron, P. (2015). Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). National Library of Medicine, Medlineplus.
This Medline encyclopedia article on SARS includes information on symptoms, tests, treatments, and prevention methods.
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Kao, H.K., Wang, J.H., Sung, C.S. et al. (2005). Pneumothorax and Mortality in the Mechanically Ventilated SARS Patients: A Prospective Clinical Study. Critical Care. 9(4):R440-5.
The authors conducted this study to determine the effects of mechanical ventilation on pneumothorax and if pneumothorax in SARS patients increased mortality. They did not find any increase in mortality from pneumothorax. They found that patients who developed pneumothorax presented with significant respiratory involvement upon admission, and that these individuals required "meticulous" respiratory therapy and monitoring.
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Koenig, K. (2015). Identify-Isolate-Inform: A Modified Tool for Initial Detection and Management of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Patients in the Emergency Department. Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. 16(5).
The authors report how the Identify-Isolate-Inform (3I) tool, originally conceived for healthcare providers to use with Ebola virus disease patients, can be adapted for real-time use for detection and management of patients under investigation for MERS.
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Lee, N., Allen Chan, K.C., Hui, D.S., et al. (2004). Effects of Early Corticosteroid Treatment on Plasma SARS-Associated Coronavirus RNA Concentrations in Adult Patients. (Abstract only.) Journal of Clinical Virology. 31(4):304-9.
The authors examined viral load in plasma over time in SARS patients and the effect of corticosteroids on viral load. They found that relatively early corticosteroid treatment was related to a higher subsequent plasma viral load.
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Lew, T.W. Kewk, T.K., Tai, D., et al. (2003). Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Journal of the American Medical Association. 16;290(3):374-80.
The authors describe clinical and epidemiologic data for 199 patients hospitalized with SARS. Nineteen of 24 ICU deaths occurred a week or later after ICU admission (and were linked to other complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The authors hypothesize that differences in the virulence of varied strains and viral load may be related to the likelihood of developing a severe ARDS and suggest aggressive early intervention.
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Lu, X., Whitaker, B., Sakthivel, S.K. et al. (2014). Real-time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay Panel for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 52(1):67-75.
This article describes an assay kit that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2013 for the detection of MERS-CoV. The authors discuss the accuracy of the assay, as well as selection of samples for testing, timing of collection after disease onset, and collection methods.
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MedlinePlus. (2018). Coronavirus Infections. National Library of Medicine, Medlineplus.
This Medline encyclopedia article on coronaviruses includes information on SARS and MERS, prevention and risk factors, statistics, journal articles, and patient handouts.
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Milne-Price, S., Miazgowicz, K.L., Munster, V.J. (2014). The Emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Pathogens and Disease. 71(2):121-36.
The authors provide a review of the knowledge base pertaining to the current MERS-CoV outbreak, including detection, clinical features, and interventions.
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Nebraska Medicine. (n.d.). MERS CoV Guidelines for Respiratory Care Services. (Accessed 1/8/2020.)
These guidelines identify respiratory therapy modalities to be used based on indications and patient treatment needs.
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New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (2014). NYC DOHMH Guidance Document for Development of Protocols for Management of Patients Presenting to Hospital Emergency Departments and Clinics with Potentially Communicable Diseases of Public Health Concern.
This document provides guidance for emergency departments and outpatient clinics to develop screening and isolation protocols for patients possibly infected with a highly communicable disease of public health concern. The document focuses on initial patient identification, initial infection control measures, notification and patient evaluation, and identification and management of exposed persons.
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New York State Depatment of Health. (n.d.). New York State Department of Health SARS Guidance Document, Chapter 4: Laboratory Diagnosis of SARS. (Accessed 6/9/2020.)
This chapter of a larger guidance document provides information on laboratory testing related to SARS, including which tests will be performed, safety precautions when handling specimens, and how to collect, test, and ship specimens.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). MERS Control and Prevention. (Accessed 1/9/2020.)
This webpage provides guidance to workers and employers to help prevent worker exposure to MERS-CoV.
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* Peiris, J., Yuen, K., Osterhaus, A., and Stöhr, K. (2003). The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. (Abstract only.) New England Journal of Medicine. 349(25):2431-41.
The authors share a timeline of the SARS outbreak and include tables that highlight clinical components of the disease, laboratory abnormalities associated with the disease, radiographic results of patients with SARS, and other information that can help healthcare providers understand the 2003 outbreak and prepare for future outbreaks.
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* Public Health England. (2015). MERS-CoV Case Algorithm.
This algorithm assists clinicians and public health workers in the management of potential cases of MERS-CoV infection in the United Kingdom.
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Public Health England. (2017). Treatment of MERS-CoV: Information for Clinicians Clinical Decision-making Support for Treatment of MERS-CoV Patients.
This document from the UK public health service summarizes a literature review (based on SARS experience) for evidence-based treatment guidelines for MERS-CoV patients in the United Kingdom.
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* Public Health England. (2018). MERS-CoV: Clinical Management and Guidance.
This collection of resources provides guidance on investigation of MERS-CoV, public health management of suspected cases, and advice to travelers. Resources relate to diagnostic testing, the minimum data set for possible cases, specimen handling and processing, support for clinical decision-making, epidemiological protocols, risk assessment, infection prevention, and travel advice.
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* Puro, V., Fusco, F.M., Lanini, S., et al. (2008). Risk Management of Febrile Respiratory Illness in Emergency Departments. The New Microbiologica. 31(2):165-73.
The authors use data from prior infectious disease outbreaks, including SARS in 2003, to emphasize how important it is for emergency departments to have effective screening and isolation protocols in place for febrile respiratory illness. Such protocols are critical to avoid possible disease transmission by infected patients in the waiting room to others also waiting to be seen.
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Raj, V.S., Osterhaus, A.D., Fouchier, R.A., and Haagmans, B.L. (2014). MERS: Emergence of a Novel Human Coronavirus. Current Opinion in Virology. 5:58-62.
The authors discuss what is known about the current MERS-CoV outbreak. They emphasize the importance of rapid identification and isolation of cases in the absence of effective treatments and clear understanding of how the virus is primarily being transmitted (i.e., human-to-human, or animal-to-human spread).
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* Rothe, C., Schunk, M., Sothmann, P., et al. (2020). Transmission of 2019-nCoV Infection from an Asymptomatic Contact in Germany. New England Journal of Medicine. January 30, 2020.
The authors of this letter describe a case of 2019-nCoV infection acquired in Germany in which transmission likely occurred during the incubation period in the index patient. A figure that illustrates the timeline of exposure to the index patient and subsequent infection in four patients is included.
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* Sandrock, C.E. (2008). Severe Febrile Respiratory Illnesses as a Cause of Mass Critical Care. Respiratory Care. 53(1):40-53.
The author reviews the agents that could necessitate the need for mass critical care of patients with severe febrile respiratory illness, as well as associated infection control protocols and personal protective equipment requirements, including those for procedures that could result in a high rate of disease transmission. Planning considerations are included, as are general treatment principles and research supporting lung ventilation protocols.
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* Tang, J., Nicolle, A., Pantelic, J., et al. (2013). Different Types of Door-Opening Motions as Contributing Factors to Containment Failures in Hospital Isolation Rooms. PLoS One. 8(6):e66663.
The authors conducted experiments with different types of doors to assess which allowed the most air into and out of rooms to determine the type of door(s) that hospitals should use for isolation rooms. The effect of human movement on air flow when operating the doors was also examined. The authors contend that sliding doors are the most effective.
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* The Lancet. (2023). COVID-19 Resource Centre.
This web page provides links to 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) content from all Lancet journals as it is published.
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Wang, D., Hu, B., Hu, C., et al. (2020). Clinical Characteristics of 138 Hospitalized Patients with 2019 Novel Coronavirus-Infected Pneumonia in Wuhan, China. JAMA.
This article describes the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 138 hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in a single hospital. While the article is the largest case series to date, it was published before outcomes were known for most patients.
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* Wong, S.S. and Yuen, K.Y. (2008). The Management of Coronavirus Infections with Particular Reference to SARS. The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 62(3):437-41.
The authors review treatment options for coronavirus, with an emphasis on that for SARS, based on reports from the 2003 outbreak.
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* World Health Organization. (n.d.). Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). (Accessed 2/2/2021.)
This web page contains links to information on MERS for healthcare providers and laboratory professionals. It also provides updates on the various outbreaks occurring around the world.
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World Health Organization. (2019). Infection Prevention and Control During Health Care for Probable or Confirmed Cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Infection.
This interim guidance document provides principles of infection prevention and control strategies and precautions for healthcare workers managing patients with confirmed or probable MERS-CoV infection.
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Zaki, A.M., van Boheemen, S., Bestebroer, T.M., et al. (2012). Isolation of a Novel Coronavirus from a Man with Pneumonia in Saudi Arabia. New England Journal of Medicine. 367(19):1814-20.
The authors describe a previously unknown coronavirus (later known as MERS-CoV) isolated from the sputum of a 60-year-old man who presented with acute pneumonia with a fatal outcome in Saudi Arabia, remarkably similar to that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003. 
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Zumla, A., Memish, Z.A., Maeurer, M. et al. (2014). Emerging Novel and Antimicrobial-Resistant Respiratory Tract Infections: New Drug Development and Therapeutic Options. (Abstract only.) The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 14 (11): 1136–1149.
The authors discuss novel and emerging viral agents that cause respiratory illness, and development and use of new antimicrobial agents and immune-based and host-directed therapies to treat them.
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Education and Training

* Abrahamson, S.D., Canzian, S., and Brunet, F. (2006). Using Simulation for Training and to Change Protocol During the Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Critical Care. 10(1): R3.
The authors trained 275 health care workers in two weeks on how to don personal protective equipment and perform resuscitation procedures for a patient in cardiac arrest using a high-fidelity simulator. Lessons learned from this initiative have implications for health care worker training, as well as care of patients with infectious respiratory diseases.
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* ASPR TRACIE. (2020). Highly Pathogenic Infectious Disease Training and Exercise Resources Webinar.
The National Ebola Training and Education Center (NETEC) and ASPR’s Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (ASPR TRACIE) are partnering on a series of joint webinars featuring NETEC’s suite of free, fully customizable, Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)-compliant exercise materials, trainings, and other resources. This webinar highlights a new course, exercise templates, and other ASPR TRACIE and NETEC resources.
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Center for Domestic Preparedness. (2020). CDP Coronavirus Training Material. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
This series of videos provides an introduction to precautions and controls for the seven types of coronavirus, including COVID-19, MERS, and SARS. A brief introductory video is accompanied by three training modules focused on: Overview of Coronavirus, Precautions and Controls for Coronavirus, and Transport and Movement of Patients with Known or Suspected Exposure to Coronavirus.
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Department of Emergency Health Services. (n.d.). Emerging Infectious Diseases Videos for Prehospital Providers. (Accessed 10/2/2023.) University of Maryland Baltimore County.
This instructional series, comprised of nine modules (listed at the top of the page), includes an introduction to infectious diseases, basic infection control concepts, considerations for personal protective equipment (including donning and doffing), personnel decontamination, patient transport, and transfer of patient care for patients with Ebola and other highly infectious diseases.
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Massachusetts General Hospital. (2020). Process of Collecting Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Swabs for Novel Coronavirus Testing.
This video demonstrates the process of collecting oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs for novel coronavirus testing.
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* Massachusetts General Hospital. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Toolkit.
This toolkit can help healthcare organizations plan and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes: patient screening algorithms, sample signage, assessment criteria, infection prevention guidance, a visitor screening tool, personal protective equipment doffing checklists, and specimen collection instructions.
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Massachusetts General Hospital. (2020). Strict Isolation PPE Doffing.
This video demonstrates the personal protective equipment doffing process under Massachusetts General Hospital's strict isolation policy. It uses a combination of airborne isolation, contact isolation, and eye protection to protect healthcare workers caring for patients known or suspected to be infected with highly pathogenic organisms transmitted by the airborne route or direct or indirect contact with the patient, environmental surfaces, or contaminated equipment. Diseases covered under this policy include SARS, MERS, avian influenza, and 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
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Massachusetts General Hospital. (2020). Strict Isolation PPE Donning.
This video demonstrates the personal protective equipment donning process under Massachusetts General Hospital's strict isolation policy. It uses a combination of airborne isolation, contact isolation, and eye protection to protect healthcare workers caring for patients known or suspected to be infected with highly pathogenic organisms transmitted by the airborne route or direct or indirect contact with the patient, environmental surfaces, or contaminated equipment. Diseases covered under this policy include SARS, MERS, avian influenza, and 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
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Parker, M.J., and Goldman, R.D. (2006). Paediatric Emergency Department Staff Perceptions of Infection Control Measures Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Emergency Medicine Journal. 23(5):349-53.
Pediatric emergency department staff completed a questionnaire to assess their perceptions of infection control measures against SARS. The authors found that perception of an agent as a significant public health threat improved compliance with infection control measures. Perception of effectiveness of infection control measures did not improve compliance.
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Event-Specific Lessons Learned

* Abrahamson, S.D., Canzian, S., and Brunet, F. (2006). Using Simulation for Training and to Change Protocol During the Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Critical Care. 10(1): R3.
The authors trained 275 health care workers in two weeks on how to don personal protective equipment and perform resuscitation procedures for a patient in cardiac arrest using a high-fidelity simulator. Lessons learned from this initiative have implications for health care worker training, as well as care of patients with infectious respiratory diseases.
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ASPR TRACIE. (2020). COVID-19: Healthcare System Operations Strategies and Experiences.
Speakers from some of the hardest hit hospitals across the U.S. discuss their COVID-19 experiences in this webinar.
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ASPR TRACIE. (2020). Hospital Incident Command and Scalability in a Pandemic: Notes from the Field.
Hospitals across the country have been managing COVID-19 patient surge for several months. To facilitate the response, many have activated hospital incident command, adjusting as necessary to match patient census. ASPR TRACIE met with subject matter experts to learn more about their experience with hospital incident command and scalability.
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ASPR TRACIE. (2021). The Effect of COVID-19 on the Healthcare Incident Command System.
This ASPR TRACIE tip sheet highlights several key observations about how healthcare incident command systems functioned during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes lessons learned collected from interviews, surveys, and literature reviews as of August 2021. While the intended audience of this document includes HCFs, EMs, executives, and leadership, additional stakeholders including regional HCFs, emergency response teams, HCC members, vendors, and staff involved in emergency response may also find this information useful.
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ASPR TRACIE. (2022). Infection Prevention and Control: Incorporating Lessons Learned in Managing Special Pathogens.
Speakers share lessons learned in infection prevention and control from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Balser, J., Ryu, J., Hood., M., et al. (2021). Care Systems COVID-19 Impact Assessment: Lessons Learned and Compelling Needs. National Academy of Medicine.
This discussion paper reviews lessons learned from COVID-19 and suggests priorities for transforming the healthcare system, including addressing financial sustainability, supply chain resilience, workforce challenges, and coordination across sectors and systems.
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Bell, J.A.H., Hyland, S., DePellegrin, T., et al. (2004). SARS and Hospital Priority Setting: A Qualitative Case Study and Evaluation. BMC Health Services Research. 4: 36.
The authors provide an analysis of SARS-related decision making along with recommendations for use of the "accountability for reasonableness" principles and ideas for future situations where information about the pathogen is rapidly evolving and decisions may be open to interpretation.
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Campbell, A. (2006). The SARS Commission: Executive Summary. Spring of Fear. Volume 1.
This executive summary of the 3rd part of the Government of Ontario’s report on SARS focuses on the workforce issues related to SARS, the psychological impact on the nursing staff in particular, and the issues with the lack of guidance on appropriate infection control. Unfortunate and difficult lessons that echo today with MERS and Ebola.
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* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2003). Cluster of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Cases Among Protected Health-Care Workers-Toronto, Canada. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly, 52(19);433-436.
Despite apparent compliance with recommended infection-control precautions, a cluster of healthcare workers became ill with SARS during the 2003 outbreak. One table shows how these workers were exposed, by their occupation and type of exposure.
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* Chen, M., Leo, Y.S., Ang B., et al. (2006). The Outbreak of SARS at Tan Tock Seng Hospital--Relating Epidemiology to Control. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. 35(5):317-25.
The authors describe the SARS outbreaks in the various wards of a hospital in Singapore, and discuss lessons learned from their experiences. Namely, that early detection and proper infection control procedures are critical to limiting or stopping transmission.
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* Chen, W.Q., Ling, W.H., Lu, C.Y., et al. (2009). Which Preventive Measures Might Protect Health Care Workers from SARS? BMC Public Health. 9(81).
The article describes a retrospective study of health care workers infected with SARS during the 2003 outbreak in China that sought to identify measures that might have protected them from becoming ill. Measures found to be preventive included the use of double gloves; high-air flow ventilation on the wards; and avoidance of face-to-face contact with SARS patients.
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* Cheng, V.C., Chan, J.F., To, K.K., and Yuen, K.Y. (2013). Clinical Management and Infection Control of SARS: Lessons Learned. Antiviral Research. 100(2):407-19.
The authors review the 2003 SARS outbreak and discuss lessons learned, particularly with regard to treatment and containment activities. Summaries of studies conducted to identify risk factors and infection control measures, as well as to describe nosocomial outbreaks for affected countries, are included.
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Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Cleveland Clinic COVID-19 Response Digital Health Playbook.
This playbook describes the Cleveland Clinic's rapid implementation of telemedicine in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes an ambulatory playbook to convert to telehealth, clinician training on virtual visits, patient facing materials, tips for showing empathy in virtual visits, and types of telehealth visits.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2021). Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Initial Assessment Report. U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This report assesses FEMA's response activities related to COVID-19 between January and September 2020. The page includes a link to download the full report, frequently asked questions, and findings and recommendations related to coordinating structures and policy, resources, preparedness and information analysis, organizational resilience, and supporting state, local, tribal and territorial partners.
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Geerts, J., Kinnair, D., Taheri, P., et al. (2021). Guidance for Health Care Leaders During the Recovery Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Consensus Statement. JAMA Network Open. 4(7):e2120295.
The authors present a framework of 10 imperatives to guide health and public health leaders during recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Hawryluck, L., Lapinsky, S.E., and Stewart, T.E. (2005). Clinical Review: SARS - Lessons in Disaster Management. Critical Care. 9(4):384-9.
The authors review their experience during the 2003 SARS outbreak and present lessons learned to assist health care facilities plan for future infectious disease outbreak.
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Jefferson, T., Foxlee, R., Del Mar, C. et al. (2008). Physical Interventions to Interrupt or Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Viruses: Systematic Review. BMJ. 336(7635):77-80.
The authors report findings from a literature review on physical interventions to reduce or interrupt the spread of respiratory viruses, such as isolation, quarantine, social distancing, barriers, personal protection, and hygiene. They found that handwashing more than 10 times daily; wearing gowns, gloves, masks, and/or N-95 masks were effective. They also found that hygiene measures directed at children helped contain viral spread in the community.
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Koplan, J.P., Butler-Jones, D., Tsang, T., and Yu, W. (2013). Public Health Lessons from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome a Decade Later. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 19(6): 861-863.
The authors summarize the eight “national and international policy, operational, and systems needs identified by public health officials" and emphasize the value of having a national public health institute in the preparedness and response phases of a public health emergency.
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Lee, S.S., and Wong, N.S. (2015). Probable Transmission Chains of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and the Multiple Generations of Secondary Infection in South Korea. International Journal of Infectious Disease. 38 :65–7.
Authors described possible cause of MERS-CoV transmission in South Korea resulting in 185 secondary infections as of July 14, 2015. These secondary infections were attributed to three overlapping generations of cases who have contracted the virus almost exclusively in the healthcare environment. Fomite transmission may explain a significant proportion of the infections occurring in the absence of direct contact with infected cases. The analysis of publicly available data collected from multiple sources, including the media, is useful for describing the epidemic history of an infectious disease outbreak.
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Leider, J.P., Lim, S., DeBruin, D., et al. (2023). Using a Web Platform for Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibodies: A Case Study in Resource Allocation. Frontiers. 11.
The authors of this article sought to incorporate ethical considerations into equitable distribution of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for COVID-19. The centralized access platform assessed patient criteria compared with the mAbs emergency use authorization and created a scoring system to prioritize eligible patients in times of scarcity.
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Liu, C.C., Chang, R.E., and Chang, W.C. (2004). Limitations of Forehead Infrared Body Temperature Detection for Fever Screening for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. (Abstract only.) Infection Control Hospital Epidemiology. 25(12):1109-11.
The authors investigated alternative measurement methodology for infrared body thermometry to increase accuracy for outdoor fever screening during the 2003 SARS epidemic. They found that temperature by ear was a more accurate measurement than forehead body surface temperature. This has implications for fever screening interventions for emerging infectious diseases.
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Mailles, A., Blanckaert, K., Chaud, P. et al. (2013). First Cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Infections in France, Investigations and Implications for the Prevention of Human-to-Human Transmission, France, May 2013. Euro Surveillance. 13;18(24).
The authors discuss the first 2 cases of MERS-CoV in France in 2013, and how they were handled to demonstrate the need for stringent infection control measures when caring for suspected or confirmed cases. They also note the atypical presentation of the index case, who did not originally present with respiratory symptoms.
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National Academy of Medicine. (2022). Emerging Stronger from COVID-19: Priorities for Health System Transformation.
This page includes links to several reports documenting lessons learned from COVID-19 that should inform priorities for health system transformation. Included are nine discussion papers and a special publication that collects the discussion papers in a single volume. Topics include: public health; care systems; health care payers; clinicians and professional societies; quality, safety, and standards organizations; biomedical research; patients, families, and communities; health product manufacturers and innovators; and digital health.
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Pearson, C., Britt, H., and Schapiro, L. (2021). Adapting Health Care Delivery in Response to COVID-19: International Lessons for the United States. (Added 10/8/2021) The Commonwealth Fund.
The authors review the experiences of Australia, Finland, Germany, Singapore, and South Korea in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and offer recommendations for future effective responses to emergencies in the United States. Recommendations address staffing, access to care, decision-making, data sharing, and communication.
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* Peiris, J., Yuen, K., Osterhaus, A., and Stöhr, K. (2003). The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. (Abstract only.) New England Journal of Medicine. 349(25):2431-41.
The authors share a timeline of the SARS outbreak and include tables that highlight clinical components of the disease, laboratory abnormalities associated with the disease, radiographic results of patients with SARS, and other information that can help healthcare providers understand the 2003 outbreak and prepare for future outbreaks.
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* Puro, V., Fusco, F.M., Lanini, S., et al. (2008). Risk Management of Febrile Respiratory Illness in Emergency Departments. The New Microbiologica. 31(2):165-73.
The authors use data from prior infectious disease outbreaks, including SARS in 2003, to emphasize how important it is for emergency departments to have effective screening and isolation protocols in place for febrile respiratory illness. Such protocols are critical to avoid possible disease transmission by infected patients in the waiting room to others also waiting to be seen.
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Reuss, A., Litterst, A., Drosten, C., et al. (2014). Contact Investigation for Imported Case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Germany. Emerging Infectious Disease. 20(4):620-626.
The authors described a contact investigation to identify possible person-to-person transmission and assess infection control measures following an imported, confirmed case of MERS-CoV in Germany. They identified 83 identified contacts and followed up with 81. Ten contacts reported experiencing mild symptoms, but test results for respiratory and serum samples were negative for MERS-CoV. Serologic testing was done for 53 (75%) of 71 nonsymptomatic contacts; all results were negative.
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* Reynolds, M.G., Anh, B.H., Thu, V.H., et al. (2006). Factors Associated with Nosocomial SARS-CoV Transmission Among Healthcare Workers in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2003. BMC Public Health. 6: 207.
The authors conducted a small cohort study to determine factors for nosocomial transmission of SARS among health care workers, and which job categories had the highest rates of infection. Nurses working on general wards and who cared for SARS patients had the highest attack rates. Non-clinical staff experienced a 19% attack rate. These findings have implications for hospital infection control plans.
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* Rizo, C.A., Lupea, D., Baybourdy, H. et al. (2005). What Internet Services Would Patients Like from Hospitals During an Epidemic? Lessons from the SARS Outbreak in Toronto. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 3;7(4):e46.
This article describes a study of attitudes towards use of the Internet to provide services during an outbreak of infectious disease. Patients at 3 Toronto hospitals were interviewed during the second SARS outbreak of 2003. The authors recommend that hospitals develop plans to use the Internet to maintain communication and continuity of care with patients during a large-scale infectious disease outbreak.
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* Rothe, C., Schunk, M., Sothmann, P., et al. (2020). Transmission of 2019-nCoV Infection from an Asymptomatic Contact in Germany. New England Journal of Medicine. January 30, 2020.
The authors of this letter describe a case of 2019-nCoV infection acquired in Germany in which transmission likely occurred during the incubation period in the index patient. A figure that illustrates the timeline of exposure to the index patient and subsequent infection in four patients is included.
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Schull, M., Stukel, T., Vermeulen, M., et al. (2007). Effect of Widespread Restrictions on the Use of Hospital Services During an Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 176(13).
The authors examined the effects of restrictions on non-urgent use of hospital services during the SARS outbreak in Toronto and found substantial decreases in elective use and also some decreases in emergency use, suggesting that some patients may have forgone care for urgent conditions.
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Singer, P., Benatar, S., Bernstein, M., et al. (2003). Ethics and SARS: Lessons from Toronto. British Medical Journal. 327(7427): 1342-1344.
The authors formed a working group and developed a list of SARS-related ethical issues and values by a consensus process. They also developed a framework for looking at the ethical implications of the SARS outbreak, including 10 key ethical values, and five major ethical issues faced by medical decision makers.
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Svoboda, T., Henry, B., Shulman, L., et al. (2004). Public Health Measures to Control the Spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome During the Outbreak in Toronto. New England Journal of Medicine. 3;350(23):2352-61.
The authors share an overview of patterns of transmission to help health officials prepare for future outbreaks.
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Tai, D. (2006). SARS: How to Manage Future Outbreaks? Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. 35:368-73.
Using lessons learned from the 2003 SARS outbreak, the author provides planning recommendations for future outbreaks, and notes that this planning is valuable for bioterrorism or pandemic influenza response, even if SARS does not reemerge.
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Tan, C. (2006). SARS in Singapore--Key Lessons from an Epidemic. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. 35(5):345-9.
This article reviews lessons learned from the SARS outbreak in Singapore in 2003, and focuses on the containment and monitoring measures utilized. Large-scale home quarantine and telephone surveillance helped identify probable cases quickly, but required a significant effort to find a small number of cases comparatively. Daily temperature monitoring of health care workers led to early identification of SARS cases, but monitoring of children and travelers at the airports did not.
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* The Lancet. (2023). COVID-19 Resource Centre.
This web page provides links to 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) content from all Lancet journals as it is published.
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* Toner, E. and Nuzzo, J. (2011). Acting on the Lessons of SARS: What Remains To Be Done? (First page only.) Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science. 9 (2).
The authors share the lessons learned from the SARS outbreak, including how hospitals "amplified" the disease by performing specific procedures (e.g., endotracheal intubation and airway suctioning) that can aerosolize respiratory droplets. The authors then highlight successes (e.g., the use of "respiratory etiquette") that have come about as a result of implementing the lessons learned.
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Wang, L.M., Chen, Y.C., Tung, S.P., et al. (2006). The Rationale of Fever Surveillance to Identify Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Taiwan. Emergency Medicine Journal. 23(3):202-5.
The article describes a cohort study conducted in 2003 to develop a predictive score for SARS infection in patients presenting to emergency departments at several hospitals in Taiwan with fever. The score is based on 10 evaluation items that include symptoms; travel history; contact history; blood count data; and chest X-ray findings. The authors contend that the scoring system was more sensitive and specific than the World Health Organization case definition criteria.
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Weinstein, R. (2004). Planning for Epidemics--The Lessons of SARS. (Abstract only.) New England Journal of Medicine. 350(23):2332-4.
The author provides comment on the public health measures taken during the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto.
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* Wong, S.S. and Yuen, K.Y. (2008). The Management of Coronavirus Infections with Particular Reference to SARS. The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 62(3):437-41.
The authors review treatment options for coronavirus, with an emphasis on that for SARS, based on reports from the 2003 outbreak.
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Yang, J.S., Park, S., Kim, Y.J., et al. (2015). Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in 3 Persons, South Korea, 2015. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 21(11):AOD.
This article described the incident of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus infection in South Korea on May 2015. Patients included were a man who had recently visited the Middle East, his wife, and a male patient who shared a hospital room with the index patient. The authors emphasize that rapid laboratory confirmation can facilitate subsequent prevention and control for imported cases.
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General Information

American Public Health Association. (2023). COVID-19. (Added 4/24/2020.)
This page includes fact sheets and other communications materials, recordings from a webinar series, and other resources to help public health professionals respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Center for Health Security. (2020). COVID-19. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
This web page includes situation reports, fact sheets, analysis, connections to experts, and links to key resources related to COVID-19.
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Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. (2023). COVID-19. (Added 4/24/2020.)
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) tracks news and scientific literature and provides analysis on COVID-19 related topics.
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Hick, J., Hanfling, D., Wynia, M., and Pavia, A. (2020). Duty to Plan: Health Care, Crisis Standards of Care, and Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. National Academy of Medicine .
This discussion paper describes the application of crisis standards of care principles to clinical care challenges posed by a coronavirus or other epidemic or pandemic. The authors encourage healthcare facilities to develop a process for decision making based on the best available clinical information and built upon existing surge capacity plans.
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Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). COVID-19. (Added 4/24/2020.)
This page features graphics and interactives with accompanying analysis related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visualizations include: interactive maps (urban and rural differences in hospital bed capacity, Medicaid emergency authorities by state, number of ICU beds by county, confirmed cases and deaths, cases and deaths by race and ethnicity, adults at higher risk of serious illness if infected), charts and infographics (long-term care workforce characteristics, potential inpatient COVID-19 treatment costs, nursing facility indicators, state policy actions, telehealth for older adults), and polling and survey data.
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Network for Public Health Law. (2020). Emergency Legal Preparedness: Novel Coronavirus.
This PowerPoint presentation provides a primer on the novel coronavirus, including a timeline of activities and an overview of relevant legal emergency preparedness and response issues.
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Guidance

American Medical Association. (2022). A physician guide to keeping your practice open during COVID-19. (Added 5/8/2020.)
This document outlines a list of steps physician practices should take before reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes a pre-visit screening script template, frequently asked questions about privacy and confidentiality, and links other resources related to relaxation of stay at home restrictions.
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American Society for Health Care Engineering. (2020). COVID-19 Recovery. American Hospital Association.
This page offers detailed information for healthcare facilities to consider as they recover from COVID-19 and begin restoring usual care. It identifies specific facility management issues; pre-recovery planning activities; immediate, short-term, and long-term needs; and the new normal. It is accompanied by an Excel-based recovery checklist.
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* ASPR TRACIE. (2020). Highly Pathogenic Infectious Disease Training and Exercise Resources Webinar.
The National Ebola Training and Education Center (NETEC) and ASPR’s Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (ASPR TRACIE) are partnering on a series of joint webinars featuring NETEC’s suite of free, fully customizable, Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)-compliant exercise materials, trainings, and other resources. This webinar highlights a new course, exercise templates, and other ASPR TRACIE and NETEC resources.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Coronavirus (COVID-19).
This resource page includes guidance for individuals, healthcare providers, and others on COVID-19.
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020). Information for Healthcare Facilities Concerning 2019 Novel Coronavirus Illness (2019-nCoV). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This memorandum provides information to healthcare facilities about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. It identifies preparedness training available from CMS, includes a link to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assist healthcare facilities in assessing their infection control policies and practices, and instructs facilities to review appropriate personal protective equipment use and availability.
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020). Notification to Surveyors of the Authorization for Emergency Use of the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel Assay and Guidance for Authorized Laboratories. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This memorandum provides information about the availability of a diagnostic test for Covid-19 under an emergency use authorization (EUA). It provides guidance to surveyors to notify CMS of laboratories using an assay without an EUA or a modified EUA.
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Health Care Worker Safety

Branch-Elliman, W., Price, C.S., McGeer, A., and Perl, T.M. (2015). Protecting the Frontline: Designing an Infection Prevention Platform for Preventing Emerging Respiratory Viral Illnesses in Healthcare Personnel. (Abstract only.) Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. 36(3): 336-345.
The authors review the data behind current theories of respiratory virus transmission, and discuss critical aspects of respiratory illness prevention, taking into account influences such as the relative cost-effectiveness of different protection strategies.
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* Brouqui, P. (2009). Facing Highly Infectious Diseases: New Trends and Current Concepts. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 15(8):700-5.
This article includes guidelines for the care of patients with highly infectious diseases, with an emphasis on droplet precautions, isolation units, and need for healthcare worker training. The author advocates that protective measures for isolation units be modeled after those for biosafety level laboratories. Pediatric considerations are also included.
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Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. (2020). COVID-19 Pandemic Response Resources.
This webpage includes links to various fact sheets on identifying and managing effect of coronavirus and mental health.
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* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2003). Cluster of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Cases Among Protected Health-Care Workers-Toronto, Canada. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly, 52(19);433-436.
Despite apparent compliance with recommended infection-control precautions, a cluster of healthcare workers became ill with SARS during the 2003 outbreak. One table shows how these workers were exposed, by their occupation and type of exposure.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings (2007). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This document provides infection control guidelines for healthcare settings across the continuum of care. It is intended to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of infection control and prevention programs in healthcare settings.
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* Chen, W.Q., Ling, W.H., Lu, C.Y., et al. (2009). Which Preventive Measures Might Protect Health Care Workers from SARS? BMC Public Health. 9(81).
The article describes a retrospective study of health care workers infected with SARS during the 2003 outbreak in China that sought to identify measures that might have protected them from becoming ill. Measures found to be preventive included the use of double gloves; high-air flow ventilation on the wards; and avoidance of face-to-face contact with SARS patients.
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* Cheng, V.C., Chan, J.F., To, K.K., and Yuen, K.Y. (2013). Clinical Management and Infection Control of SARS: Lessons Learned. Antiviral Research. 100(2):407-19.
The authors review the 2003 SARS outbreak and discuss lessons learned, particularly with regard to treatment and containment activities. Summaries of studies conducted to identify risk factors and infection control measures, as well as to describe nosocomial outbreaks for affected countries, are included.
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Chung, S.J., Ling, M.L., Seto, W.H. et al. (2014). Debate on MERS-CoV Respiratory Precautions: Surgical Mask or N95 Respirators? Singapore Medical Journal. 55(6):294-7.
The authors summarize a debate among infectious disease practitioners in Singapore regarding whether surgical masks or N-95 respirators should be recommended for health care workers caring for patients with MERS-CoV. They conclude that the evidence supports MERS-CoV being transmitted through droplets, except for aerosol-generating procedures, and so surgical masks are sufficient. They contend that it is more protective for health care workers to consistently wear surgical masks, than inconsistently wear N-95s. N-95 masks have previously been found to be uncomfortable and cause headaches and impaired mental function in health care workers after prolonged use. (Note that the CDC recommends N95s be used for suspect MERS-CoV in the U.S.)
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* Fusco, F.M., Schilling, S., Puro, V., et al. (2009). EuroNHID Checklists for the Assessment of High-Level Isolation Units and Referral Centres for Highly Infectious Diseases: Results from the Pilot Phase of a European Survey. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 15(8):711-19.
This article describes a series of three checklists developed to assess hospital capabilities in infection control and health care worker safety related to the treatment of patients with highly infectious diseases. Checklists focus on hospital resources, hospital procedures, and health care worker safety.
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MacIntyre, C.R., and Chughtai, A.A. (2015). Facemasks for the Prevention of Infection in Healthcare and Community Settings. (Abstract only.) BMJ. 350:h694.
The authors summarize the available data on face mask use, noting how there is a lack of uniformity among the studies done to date, and a lack of data on the cost-effectiveness of face mask use. They discuss how the recommendations and language used varies across guidelines, and recommend areas for future research.
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Memish, Z.A., Al-Tawfiq, J.A., Makhdoom, H.Q. et al. (2014). Screening for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection in Hospital Patients and Their Healthcare Worker and Family Contacts: A Prospective Descriptive Study. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 20(5); 469–474.
The article discusses a descriptive study wherein 5,065 individuals were screened for MERS-CoV, including suspected cases, health care worker contacts, and contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases. The authors cite the data collected as part of this study, as well as data from studies undertaken in several countries, as proof that current infection control recommendations work. They state that the risk of transmission to health care workers is low.
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Reusable Elastomeric Respirators in Health Care: Considerations for Routine and Surge Use. The National Academies Press.
This report examines strategies for and pros and cons related to stockpiling and reusing elastomeric respirators during an influenza pandemic or other large aerosol-transmissible outbreak.
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Nickell, L., Crighton, E., Tracy, C., et al. (2004). Psychosocial Effects of SARS on Hospital Staff: Survey of a Large Tertiary Care Institution. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 170(5):793-8.
The authors studied the psychosocial effects associated with working in a hospital environment during the SARS outbreak. They found significant negative effects on employees' families and lifestyles as a result of this experience.
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* Nishiyama, A., Wakasugi, N., Kirikae, T., et al. (2008). Risk Factors for SARS Infection Within Hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. (Abstract only.) Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases. 61(5):388-90.
The authors looked at risk factors for nosocomial SARS infections in Vietnam in 2003. Consistent mask use by health care workers was found to reduce transmission of SARS among those exposed to patients with the disease.
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Pei, L.Y., Gao, Z.C., Yang, Z. et al. (2006). Investigation of the Influencing Factors on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Among Health Care Workers. (Abstract only.) Journal of Peking University Health Sciences. 18;38(3):271-5.
This article describes a study to determine factors affecting infections in health care workers from three hospitals. The authors found 19 protective factors (including double exposure suits, gloves, education, and room air ventilation) and three risk factors (including tracheal intubation).
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* Reynolds, M.G., Anh, B.H., Thu, V.H., et al. (2006). Factors Associated with Nosocomial SARS-CoV Transmission Among Healthcare Workers in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2003. BMC Public Health. 6: 207.
The authors conducted a small cohort study to determine factors for nosocomial transmission of SARS among health care workers, and which job categories had the highest rates of infection. Nurses working on general wards and who cared for SARS patients had the highest attack rates. Non-clinical staff experienced a 19% attack rate. These findings have implications for hospital infection control plans.
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Tran, K., Cimon, K., Severn, M., et al. (2011). Aerosol-Generating Procedures and Risk of Transmission of Acute Respiratory Infections: A Systematic Review. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH).
The authors performed a literature review to assess evidence for the risk to health care workers of contracting an infectious disease from aerosol-generating procedures. They found the data to be limited, and describe the findings of each of the 10 included studies in detail. They note that aerosol-generating procedures do seem to increase the risk of infection for health care workers, but that good infection control and proper training of workers can limit disease spread.
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Nosocomial Transmission

ASHRAE. (2022). ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Healthcare Buildings Guidance.
This updated, illustrated guidance for healthcare settings provides background information on the COVID-19 pandemic; identifies life safety and other goals; and categorizes information by suggested engineering approaches, specific "how-to" and unique areas, surge areas, facilities/maintenance, and medical gas/vacuum systems.
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* Assiri, A., Al-Tawfiq, J.A., Al-Rabeeah A.A., et al. (2013). Epidemiological, Demographic, and Clinical Characteristics of 47 Cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Disease from Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Study. (Abstract only.) Lancet Infectious Disease. (9):752-61.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health provided an analysis of 47 individuals with laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV disease. Data suggest that the clinical presentation of MERS-CoV infection ranges from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia with the acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock and multi-organ failure resulting in death. At least two cases had a consumptive coagulopathy during the course of their illness.
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Breban R., Riou J., and Fontanet A. (2013). Interhuman Transmissibility of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: Estimation of Pandemic Risk. (Free registration required.) Lancet. 382(9893):694-9.
The authors calculated the rate of MERS CoV introductions into the population from outbreaks in Jordan and Al Hasa. They modeled two potential scenarios: one where there are many introductions, but only moderate transmissibility, and another with few introductions but higher transmissibility. Their analysis suggested that, at the time of the study, MERS-CoV did not yet have pandemic potential.
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Cauchemez, S., Fraser, C., Van Kerkhove, M.D., et al. (2014). Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: Quantification of the Extent of the Epidemic, Surveillance Biases, and Transmissibility. Lancet Infectious Disease. 14(1):50-6.
These authors analyzed epidemiological and genetic data to assess the extent of human infection, the performance of case detection, and the transmission potential of MERS-CoV with and without control measures.
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* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2003). Cluster of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Cases Among Protected Health-Care Workers-Toronto, Canada. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly, 52(19);433-436.
Despite apparent compliance with recommended infection-control precautions, a cluster of healthcare workers became ill with SARS during the 2003 outbreak. One table shows how these workers were exposed, by their occupation and type of exposure.
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* Chen, M., Leo, Y.S., Ang B., et al. (2006). The Outbreak of SARS at Tan Tock Seng Hospital--Relating Epidemiology to Control. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. 35(5):317-25.
The authors describe the SARS outbreaks in the various wards of a hospital in Singapore, and discuss lessons learned from their experiences. Namely, that early detection and proper infection control procedures are critical to limiting or stopping transmission.
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Cheng P.K., Wong D.A., Tong L.K., et al. (2004). Viral Shedding Patterns of Coronavirus in Patients with Probable Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. (Abstract only.) Lancet. 363 (9422):1699-700.
The authors studied viral shedding of SARS coronavirus to improve diagnosis and infection control. They found that overall, peak viral loads were reached at 12-14 days of illness when patients were probably in hospital care, which would explain why hospital workers were prone to infection. Low rate of viral shedding in the first few days of illness meant that early isolation measures would probably be effective.
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Cotten, M., Watson, S., Kellam, P., et al. (2013). Transmission and Evolution of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia: a Descriptive Genomic Study. Lancet. 382(9909): 1993-2002.
Full genome deep sequencing was done on nucleic acid extracted directly from PCR-confirmed clinical samples from patients with confirmed MERS-CoV demonstrated that transmission within Saudi Arabia is consistent with either movement of an animal reservoir, animal products, or movement of infected people.
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Fagbo, S. Skakni, L., Chu, D., et al. (2015). Molecular Epidemiology of Hospital Outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2014. Emerging Infectious Diseases 21(11):unv.
The authors examined an outbreak of MERS in a hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2014, and found this outbreak was part of a larger outbreak that affected multiple health care facilities in Riyadh and possibly arose from a single zoonotic transmission event.
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Geller, C., Varbanov, M., and Duval, R.E. (2012). Human Coronaviruses: Insights into Environmental Resistance and its Influence on the Development of New Antiseptic Strategies. Viruses. 12; 4(11):3044-68.
The authors summarize the available knowledge base regarding how well coronaviruses persist in the environment, and discuss the effectiveness of commonly used antiseptics-disinfectants to kill them. New antiseptic strategies are also discussed.
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Hijawi, B., Abdallat, M., Sayaydeh, A., et al. (2013). Novel Coronavirus Infections in Jordan, April 2012: Epidemiological Findings from a Retrospective Investigation. East Mediterranean Health. 19 (Supp1):S12-18.
This paper describes the epidemiological findings of retrospective investigation carried out in November 2012 for the earliest known healthcare associated outbreak of MERS-CoV that occurred in April 2012. A total of 2 laboratory-confirmed and 11 probable cases were identified from this outbreak: 10 were HCWs and 2 were family members of cases. These findings highlight the likelihood of nosocomial transmission of nCoV infection in a health-care setting.
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Lai, M.Y., Cheng, P.K., and Lim, W.W. (2005). Survival of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 1;41(7):e67-71.
The authors assessed the survival of SARS-CoV from stool and respiratory specimens on different environmental surfaces and found that fecal and respiratory samples can remain infectious at room temperature for long periods of time (four days and more than seven days, respectively). The effectiveness of cleaning agents was also evaluated and the authors found that common disinfectants inactivated the virus.
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* Nishiyama, A., Wakasugi, N., Kirikae, T., et al. (2008). Risk Factors for SARS Infection Within Hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. (Abstract only.) Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases. 61(5):388-90.
The authors looked at risk factors for nosocomial SARS infections in Vietnam in 2003. Consistent mask use by health care workers was found to reduce transmission of SARS among those exposed to patients with the disease.
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Pebody, R.G., Chand, M.A., Thomas, H.L., et al. (2012). The United Kingdom Public Health Response to an Imported Laboratory Confirmed case of a Novel Coronavirus in September 2012. EuroSurveillance. 17(40):20292.
The authors found that rapid institution of infection control measures can prevent acquisition of MERS-CoV in healthcare settings. They share a case study and highlight that strict respiratory isolation was instituted with a severely ill patient. Ten days after last exposure, none of 64 close contacts had developed severe disease (13 of 64 reported mild respiratory symptoms). The novel coronavirus was not detected in 10 of 10 symptomatic contacts tested.
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Raboud, J. Shigayeva, A., McGeer, A., et al. (2010). Risk Factors for SARS Transmission from Patients Requiring Intubation: A Multicentre Investigation in Toronto, Canada. PLoS One. 5(5):e10717.
The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study to identify risk factors for transmission of SARS-CoV during intubation from confirmed SARS patients to healthcare workers. They found that close contact with the airway of severely ill patients and failure of infection control practices to prevent exposure to respiratory secretions were associated with transmission of SARS-CoV.
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* Tang, J., Nicolle, A., Pantelic, J., et al. (2013). Different Types of Door-Opening Motions as Contributing Factors to Containment Failures in Hospital Isolation Rooms. PLoS One. 8(6):e66663.
The authors conducted experiments with different types of doors to assess which allowed the most air into and out of rooms to determine the type of door(s) that hospitals should use for isolation rooms. The effect of human movement on air flow when operating the doors was also examined. The authors contend that sliding doors are the most effective.
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* Toner, E. and Nuzzo, J. (2011). Acting on the Lessons of SARS: What Remains To Be Done? (First page only.) Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science. 9 (2).
The authors share the lessons learned from the SARS outbreak, including how hospitals "amplified" the disease by performing specific procedures (e.g., endotracheal intubation and airway suctioning) that can aerosolize respiratory droplets. The authors then highlight successes (e.g., the use of "respiratory etiquette") that have come about as a result of implementing the lessons learned.
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World Health Organization. (2014). Infection Prevention and Control of Epidemic- and Pandemic-Prone Acute Respiratory Infections in Health Care: WHO Guidelines.
This document provides recommendations, best practices and principles for infection prevention and control for acute respiratory infections in health care, particularly those that present as epidemics or pandemics. It includes information on PPE and aerosol-generating procedures. There are also summaries of literature and research reviews on physical interventions for infection control; risk of transmission from aerosol-generating procedures; and effectiveness of vaccination of health care workers to protect patients.
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Plans, Tools, and Templates

#Get Vaccinated. (2023). Provider Resources. (Added 12/28/2020.) American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living .
This toolkit contains various resources to support the #GetVaccinated campaign, including talking points, templates, and media materials.
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Alabama Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Hospital Template for Serious Infectious Disease Procedures. (Accessed 3/17/2021.)
This eight-page template is for the use of hospital administration and planning personnel to identify and communicate key elements of the policy and procedures for screening, identification, and initial management of a suspected serious infectious disease patient. It is intended to be used as a tool to assist in the effective preparation for, implementation, and execution of facility serious infectious disease response plans.
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ASPR TRACIE. (2023). EMS Infectious Disease Playbook.
This playbook (updated in 2023) synthesizes multiple sources of information in a single planning document addressing the full spectrum of infectious agents to create a concise reference resource for emergency medical services (EMS) agencies developing their service policies. The information can be incorporated into agency standard operating procedures and reviewed by the EMS medical director.
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  • Bridget Kanawati Thank you for your interest in this resource. Unfortunately, funding restrictions preclude our being able to provide printed versions of our resources so all of our products, including this one, are only available electronically. ASPR TRACIE Team
    3/26/2020 2:12:41 PM
  • Frances Thorpe I agree with Tracy, is there a way to order this publication in hard copy format? The information contained in this publication highlights agency infection control policies and is a great resource to have in the department library.
    3/26/2020 12:21:36 PM
  • Tracy Miller Is there any way to order a printed and bound version?
    8/9/2018 5:16:09 PM
Association of Immunization Managers. (2021). Vaccine Confidence Toolkit.
This resource page includes links to various materials to help communicate about COVID-19 vaccination.
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California Emergency Medical Services Authority. (2014). Incident Planning Guide: Infectious Disease.
Hospitals can use this Incident Planning Guide in conjunction with their Incident Command System and emergency management plans. It provides a scenario and planning factors to consider pertaining to infectious disease outbreaks. Note: Click on the Word or PDF version provided under the Infectious Disease category.
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California Emergency Medical Services Authority (2014). Incident Response Guide: Infectious Disease.
This is an Incident Response Guide for hospitals to use in conjunction with their Incident Command System and emergency management plans. It describes actions by response role for identifying, triaging, isolating, treating, and tracking a surge of potentially infectious patients and staff.
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Center for Health Security. (2022). COVID-19 Testing Toolkit. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
This toolkit includes resources describing the different types of testing, information on available tests and testing services, factors to consider when developing a testing strategy, and answers to frequently asked testing questions.
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* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
This web page contains links to information on MERS for the public, healthcare providers and laboratory professionals including a frequently asked questions resource. Preparedness checklists for providers and healthcare facilities are included.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit. (Added 12/23/2020.) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This toolkit shares best practices for vaccine storage and handling. It includes an addendum focused on COVID-19 and Mpox vaccines.
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Dan, Y.Y., Tambyah, P.A., Sim, J., et al. (2009). Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Hospital Infection Control Response to an Epidemic Respiratory Virus Threat. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 15(12):1909-16.
The authors used cost data from hospitals in Singapore in a model to assess cost-effectiveness of infection control protocols in response to a respiratory virus epidemic. The model was based on transmission from a single case in the hospital setting, and did not assume widespread community transmission. The authors concluded that it was most cost-effective to use a step-up approach to infection control measures, as necessary, based on how an outbreak evolves vs. applying very stringent measures at the start of the outbreak and then scaling them back when it becomes apparent they are too broadly applied.
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* Fusco, F.M., Schilling, S., Puro, V., et al. (2009). EuroNHID Checklists for the Assessment of High-Level Isolation Units and Referral Centres for Highly Infectious Diseases: Results from the Pilot Phase of a European Survey. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 15(8):711-19.
This article describes a series of three checklists developed to assess hospital capabilities in infection control and health care worker safety related to the treatment of patients with highly infectious diseases. Checklists focus on hospital resources, hospital procedures, and health care worker safety.
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Massachusetts General Hospital. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Toolkit.
This toolkit can help healthcare organizations plan and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors encourage hospitals to "review the materials and adapt them to their local context and health department regulations and procedures."
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* Massachusetts General Hospital. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Toolkit.
This toolkit can help healthcare organizations plan and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes: patient screening algorithms, sample signage, assessment criteria, infection prevention guidance, a visitor screening tool, personal protective equipment doffing checklists, and specimen collection instructions.
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Minnesota Department of Health, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology - Minnesota, and Health Care Coalitions of Minnesota. (2019). High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) Toolbox for Frontline Health Care Facilities.
This toolbox includes a variety of resources to assist frontline facilities in their readiness activities related to patients with high consequence infectious diseases. Included are planning and training tools, exercise templates, and the components (e.g., screening guide, checklists, posters) to create a readiness binder.
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National Association of Community Health Centers. (2022). COVID-19 Communications Toolkit for Health Centers.
This toolkit includes various resources to assist health center staff in communicating with patients about vaccination. It includes key messages, answers to frequently asked questions, social media graphics, selfie signs, and links to additional resources.
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National Ebola Training and Education Center. (n.d.). NETEC Exercise Templates. (Accessed 3/17/2021.)
This web page includes links to various Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program-compliant templates to assist healthcare coalitions, frontline facilities, assessment hospitals, state-designated Ebola treatment centers, regional Ebola and special pathogen treatment centers, and their respective response partners in the planning and conduct of exercises on the identification, assessment, treatment, management, transport, and transfer of high risk patients. The site includes templates for drills, tabletops, functional, and full-scale exercises. There is also a beginners guide to assist users new to exercise planning.
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National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center. (2024). EMS Procedural Guidelines for Special Pathogens.
These model procedural guidelines, created by NETEC's EMS/Patient Transport Work Group, are designed to help EMS agencies develop standard operating procedures for the transport and management of patients suspected or confirmed to have a high-consequence infectious disease. The guidelines address personal protective equipment (PPE) donning and doffing, EMS provider down, PPE breaches, biohazard spills, waste management, ambulance modification, and ambulance cleaning and disinfection. They complement ASPR TRACIE's EMS Infectious Disease Playbook (https://files.asprtracie.hhs.gov/documents/aspr-tracie-transport-playbook-508.pdf).
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Nebraska Medicine. (2019). MERS-CoV ED Screening Protocol.
This screening algorithm is intended to assist emergency department staff in screening potential MERS-CoV patients and implementing effective infection prevention and control measures.
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New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (n.d.). Mystery Patient Drill Toolkit. (Accessed 3/17/2021.)
This toolkit is intended for use by hospital emergency departments, and tests how long it takes for a potential patient with a highly infectious disease to be identified and for staff to begin exposure mitigation procedures; how long it takes for a patient to be transferred to an isolation room; and the capability of the facility to make notifications internally and to the health department. The Toolkit includes scenarios for Ebola Virus Disease, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Measles, but may be modified to suit healthcare facilities of any nature and any type of disease outbreak.
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New York City Health + Hospitals. (2019). Frontline Hospital Planning Guide: Special Pathogens.
This planning guide from New York City Health + Hospitals provides high-level planning information for frontline hospital multidisciplinary teams to support planning and training for the initial care of suspected special pathogen patients while determining whether and when they will be transferred to another facility for further assessment and treatment.
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* Peiris, J., Yuen, K., Osterhaus, A., and Stöhr, K. (2003). The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. (Abstract only.) New England Journal of Medicine. 349(25):2431-41.
The authors share a timeline of the SARS outbreak and include tables that highlight clinical components of the disease, laboratory abnormalities associated with the disease, radiographic results of patients with SARS, and other information that can help healthcare providers understand the 2003 outbreak and prepare for future outbreaks.
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* Public Health England. (2015). MERS-CoV Case Algorithm.
This algorithm assists clinicians and public health workers in the management of potential cases of MERS-CoV infection in the United Kingdom.
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* Public Health England. (2018). MERS-CoV: Clinical Management and Guidance.
This collection of resources provides guidance on investigation of MERS-CoV, public health management of suspected cases, and advice to travelers. Resources relate to diagnostic testing, the minimum data set for possible cases, specimen handling and processing, support for clinical decision-making, epidemiological protocols, risk assessment, infection prevention, and travel advice.
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Punke, H. (2014). In Light of the Ebola Outbreak: 3 Considerations for Hospitals Dealing with Infectious Disease. Becker's Infection Control and Clinical Quality.
This article focuses on three key business aspects of treating patients with highly infectious diseases: communication; human resources and staffing; and HIPAA concerns.
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* Puro, V., Fusco, F.M., Lanini, S., et al. (2008). Risk Management of Febrile Respiratory Illness in Emergency Departments. The New Microbiologica. 31(2):165-73.
The authors use data from prior infectious disease outbreaks, including SARS in 2003, to emphasize how important it is for emergency departments to have effective screening and isolation protocols in place for febrile respiratory illness. Such protocols are critical to avoid possible disease transmission by infected patients in the waiting room to others also waiting to be seen.
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Puro, V., Fusco, F.M., Schilling, S., et al. (2012). Biosecurity Measures in 48 Isolation Facilities Managing Highly Infectious Diseases. Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science. 10(2): 208–214.
The authors discuss a survey of isolation units in Europe and advocate for the application of biosecurity measures to specialized isolation units in health care facilities to limit exposure of health care workers and deter theft of infectious material. Such measures include the use of key card access; surveillance cameras; guards at the doors; and sign-in/sign-out for all personnel entering the isolation area.
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Qureshi, K., Gershon, R.R., Sherman, M.F., et al. (2005). Health Care Workers' Ability and Willingness to Report to Duty During Catastrophic Disasters. Journal of Urban Health. 82(3):378-88.
The authors conducted a survey of health care workers at 47 health care facilities in New York City and the surrounding area to determine responsiveness and willingness to work during disasters. They found that 64% of respondents felt they would be able to report to work during a SARS outbreak, while 48% indicated they would be willing to report to work during a SARS outbreak.
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Rebmann, T. (2009). Assessing Hospital Emergency Management Plans: A Guide for Infection Preventionists. (Abstract only.) American Journal of Infection Control. 37(9); 708–714.e4.
The author conducted a literature search to develop a checklist for infection preventionists to use to assess their hospital's emergency management plans. Infectious disease response considerations are addressed.
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* Rizo, C.A., Lupea, D., Baybourdy, H. et al. (2005). What Internet Services Would Patients Like from Hospitals During an Epidemic? Lessons from the SARS Outbreak in Toronto. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 3;7(4):e46.
This article describes a study of attitudes towards use of the Internet to provide services during an outbreak of infectious disease. Patients at 3 Toronto hospitals were interviewed during the second SARS outbreak of 2003. The authors recommend that hospitals develop plans to use the Internet to maintain communication and continuity of care with patients during a large-scale infectious disease outbreak.
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San Francisco Department of Public Health. (2011). Infectious Disease Emergency Response Plan.
This plan contains the following sections: command; plans section (by unit); operations section; logistics; and finance. Four annexes that focus on different threats are included, as are sample forms and other appendices.
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* Sandrock, C.E. (2008). Severe Febrile Respiratory Illnesses as a Cause of Mass Critical Care. Respiratory Care. 53(1):40-53.
The author reviews the agents that could necessitate the need for mass critical care of patients with severe febrile respiratory illness, as well as associated infection control protocols and personal protective equipment requirements, including those for procedures that could result in a high rate of disease transmission. Planning considerations are included, as are general treatment principles and research supporting lung ventilation protocols.
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Sim, S.W., Moey, K.S., and Tan, N.C. (2014). The Use of Facemasks to Prevent Respiratory Infection: a Literature Review in the Context of the Health Belief Model. Singapore Medical Journal. 55(3):160-7.
The authors reviewed studies on facemask use in the community and framed their findings under the five principles of the Health Belief Model. They found that perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits of face mask use positively influenced compliance and recommend that a comprehensive approach to encouraging mask use during outbreaks of infectious disease in the community be utilized.
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Teasdale, E., Santer, M., Geraghty, A.W. et al. (2014). Public Perceptions of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions for Reducing Transmission of Respiratory Infection: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Studies. BMC Public Health. 14:589.
The authors reviewed 16 studies from nine countries to synthesize the data on public perception of non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce transmission of respiratory infections. They found that hand and respiratory hygiene were viewed as socially responsible, and that concerns about stigma influence perceptions around social distancing and isolation. Barriers, including beliefs about infection transmission, are also discussed in this article.
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The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. (2017). Outbreak Response Training Program (ORTP). (Free account required.)
This webpage contains links to four free toolkits that were developed to provide healthcare providers immediate access to key infectious disease outbreak information and resources. The toolkits contain guidance on incident management, emerging pathogens, IPC strategies, COVID-19, communication, negotiation, and implementation. Each toolkit contains checklists, guidance documents, case studies, and fillable tables to meet the planning and response needs prior to or during an infectious disease outbreak.
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Trust for America's Health. (2015). Top Actions the United States Should Take to Prepare for MERS-CoV and Other Emerging Infections.
This document discusses gaps in preparedness for responding to emerging infectious diseases, and provides recommendations for health care facilities to prepare to identify and care for patients with MERS-CoV or other novel respiratory infections.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. (2021). National Health Security Strategy. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The goal of the National Health Security Strategy (NHSS) is to strengthen and sustain communities’ abilities to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies. This webpage includes links to the full text of the strategy, an overview, the NHSS Implementation Plan, the NHSS Evaluation of Progress, and an NHSS Archive.
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Wallinga, J., van Boven, M., and Lipsitch, M. (2009). Optimizing Infectious Disease Interventions During an Emerging Epidemic. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 107(2):923-8.
The authors present a framework for allocating scarce resources and implementing interventions to limit or stop transmission during an epidemic, using limited data. They state that interventions should be targeted at groups with the highest risk of infection per individual to have the greatest impact, and that adjustments may be made as more data becomes available during the course of the epidemic.
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* World Health Organization. (n.d.). Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). (Accessed 2/2/2021.)
This web page contains links to information on MERS for healthcare providers and laboratory professionals. It also provides updates on the various outbreaks occurring around the world.
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Agencies and Organizations

Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. ASPR’s Role in the Federal COVID-19 Response.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
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Food and Drug Administration. Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
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Institute for Diseases and Disaster Management. Tools and Resources. NYC Health + Hospitals.
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National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration. COVID-19.
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World Health Organization. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus.
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World Health Organization. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
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World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
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This ASPR TRACIE Topic Collection was comprehensively reviewed in September 2015 and is being updated regularly to include information relevant to the emerging 2019 Novel Coronavirus, with assistance by the following subject matter experts (listed in alphabetical order): Eric Alberts, BS, FPEM, CHS-V, CDP-1, CHPP, CHEP, SEM, CFRP, FABCHS, Manager, Emergency Preparedness, Orlando Health, Inc. (Hospital System); John Hick, MD, HHS ASPR and Hennepin County Medical Center; Brad Learn, Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coordinator, Kentucky Department for Public Health; Connie Savor Price, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Denver Health and Hospital and Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Mary Russell, EdD MSN, Emergency Services, Boca Raton Regional Hospital; and Xiaoyan Song, PhD, MBBS, MSc, Director, Infection Control/ Epidemiology, Children’s National Health System and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
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