Emergence of COVID-19
On January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization declared an international public health emergency after the detection of a novel (new) coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, that was first detected in Wuhan, China. It is spread from close person to-person contact (within 6 feet) through inhaled airborne respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. There is now evidence of community spread, where the source of infection or exposure cannot be identified. Recent evidence also shows:
1. SARS-CoV-2 virus is shed in high concentration before symptoms appear
2. Shedding is from the upper respiratory tract (nose)
3. Screening by temperature and symptom tracking alone is inadequate
On March 4, 2020, the CNT Committee of the CCAOM issued a Clinic Infection Control Advisory to serve as a guide for acupuncturists in making an assessment to close their practices. In many localities in the United States, Stay-at-Home Orders were issued by state or local public health departments or governor offices. This advisory provides an update with best practice guidelines for opening an acupuncture office.
Protocols for prevention of infection are detailed in the 7th Edition of the Clean Needle Technique Manual. Because of the asymptomatic shedding of SARS-CoV-2 virus, these precautions are considered universal and should become normalized clinic procedures.
Click below for the full advisory
