Introduction A novel human Coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) was identified in January, 2020 and developed into a pandemic by March, 2020. This rapid, enormous, and unanticipated event had major implications for healthcare. Infection preventionists (IP) have a critical role in worker and patient safety. IPs’ lessons learned can guide future pandemic response. Methods Seven focus groups were conducted with APIC members in September and October, 2020 via Zoom to elicit IPs’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sessions were recorded then transcribed verbatim. Major themes were identified through content analysis. Results In total, 73 IPs participated (average of 10 IPs per focus group) and represented all geographical areas and work settings. Participating IPs described multiple challenges they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including rapidly changing and conflicting guidance, a lack of infection prevention recommendations for nonacute care settings, insufficient personal protective equipment, healthcare personnel complacency with personal protective equipment and infection prevention protocols, and increases in healthcare associated infections and workload. Conclusions The identified gaps in pandemic response need to be addressed in order to minimize healthcare associated infections and occupational illness. In addition, the educational topics identified by the participating IPs should be developed into new educational programs and resources.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages in spring 2020, necessitating crisis protocols. Methods An online survey was administered to all Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology members in October, 2020 to assess PPE availability and crisis standards utilized in fall, 2020. Results In total, 1,081 infection preventionists (IP) participated. A quarter lacked sufficient disinfection supplies, N95s, isolation gowns, and gloves; 10 – 20% lacked eye protection and hand hygiene supplies. Significantly more were reusing respirators than masks (65.6% vs 46.8%, respectively; p< .001); a third (32.0%, n=735) were re-using isolation gowns. About half (45.9%, n=496) were decontaminating respirators. Determinants of believing current PPE re-use protocols were safe and evidence-based included the IP being involved in developing COVID-19 protocols (both), having respirator reuse protocols that involve ≤ five reuses (both), using reusable respiratory protection (both), decontaminating respirators (perceived safe), and not reusing masks (perceived safe; p < .05 for all). Conclusions Although most healthcare facilities had adequate PPE in fall 2020, PPE supply chains were still disrupted, resulting in the need to reuse or decontaminate PPE. Ongoing gaps in PPE access need to be addressed in order to minimize healthcare associated infections and occupational illness.

Background SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was identified and quickly developed into a pandemic in spring, 2020. This event posed immense difficulties for healthcare nationally, with rural areas experiencing different challenges than other regions. Methods The Association of Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology conducted focus groups with infection preventionist (IP) members in September and October, 2020. Zoom sessions were recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to identify themes. Results In all, 38 IPs who work at a critical access hospital or a healthcare facility in a rural location participated. Major challenges identified by IPs in this study included addressing the lack of access to personal protective equipment (PPE), overwhelming workloads caused by the pandemic and multiple roles/responsibilities, inaccurate social media messages, and generalized disbelief and disregard about the pandemic among rural community members. Conclusions Gaps in preparedness identified in this study, such as the lack of PPE, need to be addressed to prevent occupational illness. In addition, health disparities and inaccurate beliefs about COVID-19 heard by IPs in this study need to be addressed in order to increase compliance with public health safeguards among rural community members and minimize morbidity and mortality in these regions.

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The evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 from a zoonotic virus to a novel human pathogen resulted in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) global pandemic. Health care delivery and infection prevention and control recommendations continue to evolve to protect the safety of health care personnel, patients, and visitors while researchers and policymakers learn more about SARS‐CoV‐2 and COVID‐19. The perioperative setting is unique in that it exposes clinicians and personnel to increased risks through the invasive nature of surgical care. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Hierarchy of Controls as a model, this article presents risk mitigation strategies for preventing the transmission of COVID‐19 in the perioperative environment. The goals are to identify and eliminate potential exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 when surgery is necessary for patients who are suspected or confirmed to have COVID‐19 or who have an unknown infection status.