Infection prevention and control during transfer and transport of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19

Overview

Patients with suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can infect others at any time, including during transfer and transport. Ensuring the proper implementation of standard and transmission based infection prevention and control (IPC) precautions is essential in health setting, including patient transfer and transport, for the safety of patients and health-care workers (HCWs).

This guide aims to identify key steps in preparing the community and health system response to ensure IPC is maintained during transfer and transport. This includes from a person’s house to, between and within health facilities. This guide has been updated on 30 March 2022 with new evidence and best practices surrounding IPC during patient transfer and transportation, including: personal protective equipment (PPE) for personnel involved in transfer; cleaning and disinfection after transfer; health-care waste management; and securing occupational health.