When it comes to running an NICU during the Covid 19 pandemic, keeping the infants safe comes down to strategy, Jenny Hayes, MSN, RN, CIC, CAIP, CASSPT, the infection prevention leader at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, told Infection Control Today recently.

For instance, all mothers are tested upon admission to the hospital. Plus, a patient in labor is going to have unique needs, as opposed to the patient who delivers by C-section. 

The healthcare providers are wearing paper surgical masks and a face shield to protect them, because they’ll need eye protection. A patient is labor is not going to be asked to wear a mask. 

For a C-section, the an operating room air exchanges will need to be higher—  more than 12 an hour.

NICUs have very stringent Covid-19 protocols, according to an article on the Forbes website. There are negative pressure rooms for any Covid-19 patients and stringent visitor policies (often restricted to one parent at a time), and regular Covid-19 testing for all  staff and visitors.

Read the full Infection Control Today article.