scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic in resource-poor countries: challenges, experiences and opportunities in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (08) ◽  
pp. 838-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Kwame Afriyie ◽  
George Awuku Asare ◽  
Seth Kwabena Amponsah ◽  
Brian Godman
Keyword(s):  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Mechanical Ventilators ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Fast Tracking ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The University ◽  
University Of Ghana ◽  
Initial Results

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is seen world-wide. In developing countries, adequate health facilities and staff numbers are a concern. Ghana recorded its first 2 cases of COVID-19 on 12 March 2020. On 30 March 2020, a partial lockdown for 14 days was imposed and later extended along with other measures. By the end of the initial lockdown, 19 April 2020, an estimated 86,000 people had been traced and 68,591 tests performed. Of the 68,591 tests, there were 1,042 (1.5%) positive cases, 9 deaths, and 99 recoveries, with Ghana ranked number one among African countries in administering tests per million people. Ghana’s effective track and trace system, as well as lockdown and other measures, have helped limit mortality with only 85 recorded deaths by 23 June 2020. Scientists from three facilities of the University of Ghana have also successfully sequenced the genomes of COVID-19 from 15 confirmed cases, and the Food and Drugs Authority in Ghana have also helped address shortages by fast-tracking certification of hand sanitizers and local production of 3.6 million standardized personal protective equipment. There has also been the development of prototypes of locally-manufactured mechanical ventilators to meet local need at intensive care units. Most people have also resorted to changing diets and the use of supplements to boost their immune system. Although initial results are encouraging, further research is needed to understand the dynamics of COVID-19 in Ghana and provide additional guidance.

scholarly journals Visitor Restriction Policy on Pediatric Wards During Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: A Survey Study Across North America

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taito Kitano ◽  
Pierre-Philippe Piché-Renaud ◽  
Helen E Groves ◽  
Laurie Streitenberger ◽  
Renee Freeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Restriction Policy ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Visitor restriction policies in pediatric wards during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak are variable. Among 36 hospitals that responded to our survey, 97% allowed at least 1 visitor, with 67% restricting to 1 caregiver. Sixty-nine percent required the visitor to wear personal protective equipment and only 19% allowed non-household visitors.

scholarly journals An immersive Arabic language course in Cairo moves online

2021 ◽  
pp. 79-94
Author(s):  
Heba Salem
Keyword(s):  
Arabic Language ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Community Based ◽  
American University ◽  
University Environment ◽  
The Us ◽  
Community Based Learning ◽  
Online Format ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The University

This chapter describes the my experience as the instructor for a course rooted in community based learning theory that was forced to move online in spring, 2020, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The course, titled ‘CASA Without Borders’, allows Arabic language students in the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) program at The American University in Cairo (AUC) to leave the university environment and serve the community, while also benefiting from the experience both linguistically and culturally. This course was disrupted by the students’ mandatory return to the US from Cairo as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and continued remotely in an online format. This chapter describes the CASA program and explains both the purpose of the CASA Without Borders course and its significance to CASA students and to the program. It also describes and reflects upon my experience of continuing the course remotely during the ongoing pandemic.

A Qualitative Comparison of the Covex Respirator with Face Shield Versus the N95 Respirator

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reid Mimmack ◽  
Elijah Germo ◽  
Garrett Augustine ◽  
Kumar Belani
Keyword(s):  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Current Medical ◽  
Pass Rate ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Qualitative Comparison ◽  
Medical Standard ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a worldwide pandemic. The pandemic led to concerns of shortages regarding healthcare-related resources, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and more. The uniquely designed COVEX respirator with face shield was engineered and manufactured by Augustine Surgical, Inc. to combat the PPE shortage. The novel COVEX mask is an “all-in-one” face shield and filter with a Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) greater than 99%. A standard respirator qualitative fit test was completed on the COVEX respirator as well as the current medical standard 3M N95 respirator. Fit test studies comparing the two masks yielded similar outcomes. The COVEX respirator had a qualitative fit test pass rate of 96.6% and the 3M N95 respirator had a pass rate of 93.3% (n=30). Participants also reported other variables comparing the comfort and fit of each mask, which is described further in the discussion. The COVEX respirator with face shield passed a standardized qualitative fit test at a rate similar to the current medical standard N95 respirator. Our results suggest that the COVEX mask may be a viable PPE option in the future.

scholarly journals Emergency department preparation for COVID-19: accelerated care units

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 402-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne Noble ◽  
Nida Felicija Degesys ◽  
Elizabeth Kwan ◽  
Edward Grom ◽  
Cortlyn Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Negative Pressure ◽  
Potential Model ◽  
Adaptive Leadership ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Leadership Challenges ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Rapid Deployment

By 11 February 2020 when the WHO named the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease it causes (COVID-19), it was evident that the virus was spreading rapidly outside of China. Although San Francisco did not confirm its first locally transmitted cases until the first week of March, our ED and health system began preparing for a potential COVID-19 surge in late February 2020.In this manuscript, we detail how the above responses were instrumental in the rapid deployment of two military-grade negative-pressure medical tents, named accelerated care units (ACU). We describe engagement of our workforce, logistics of creating new care areas, ensuring safety through personal protective equipment access and conservation, and the adaptive leadership challenges that this process posed.We know of no other comprehensive examples of how EDs have prepared for COVID-19 in the peer-reviewed literature. Many other EDs both in and outside of California have requested access to the details of how we operationalised our ACUs to facilitate their own planning. This demonstrates the urgent need to disseminate this information to our colleagues. Below we describe the process of developing and launching our ACUs as a potential model for other EDs around the country.

Applying the “baby nursing model” in under-resourced audiovisual archives in Africa

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Opoku-Boateng
Keyword(s):  
African Countries ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Field Recordings ◽  
Extensive Documentation ◽  
Audiovisual Archives ◽  
The University ◽  
Traditional Arts ◽  
University Of Ghana ◽  
Private Collections ◽  
Positive Results

It is a well-known fact that there has been extensive documentation of African traditional arts in post-colonial Africa, which has contributed to the growing accumulation of field recordings in Africa that could form the nucleus for archives in individual African countries. These include private collections as well as recordings at broadcasting and television stations; government ministries such as Tourism, Culture and Information; museums and academic institutions. Sadly, these precious traditions – which have been expensively captured – are often not properly managed in their host institutions. The caretakers of this heritage mostly sit by as collections deteriorate and sometimes are disposed of due to lack of institutional support. Such practices prevail in most African archives. This paper proposes a new mode of consciousness of the value of audiovisual heritage materials by comparing them with human babies. This new archival management principle, ‘the baby nursing model’, has been adopted and practiced at the University of Ghana and has achieved positive results.

scholarly journals Decontamination Interventions for the Reuse of Surgical Mask Personal Protective Equipment: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J Zorko ◽  
Shira Gertsman ◽  
Katie O'Hearn ◽  
Nicholas Timmerman ◽  
Nasser Ambu-Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Surgical Masks ◽  
Study Characteristics ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Citation Screening

Background: The high demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) during the novel coronavirus outbreak has created global shortages and prompted the need to develop strategies to conserve supply. Surgical mask PPE have a broad application of use in a pandemic setting, but little is known regarding decontamination interventions to allow for their reuse. Objective: Identify and synthesize data from original published studies evaluating interventions to decontaminate surgical masks for the purpose of reuse. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Global Health, the WHO COVID-19 database, Google Scholar, DisasterLit, preprint servers, and prominent journals from inception to April 8, 2020 for prospective original research on decontamination interventions for surgical mask PPE. Citation screening was conducted independently in duplicate. Study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were extracted from included studies by two independent reviewers. Outcomes of interest included impact of decontamination interventions on surgical mask performance and germicidal effects. Results: Seven studies met eligibility criteria: one evaluated the effects of heat and chemical decontamination interventions applied after mask use on mask performance, and six evaluated interventions applied prior to mask use to enhance antimicrobial properties and/or mask performance. Mask performance and germicidal effects were both evaluated in heterogenous test conditions across a variety of mask samples (whole masks and pieces or individual mask layers). Safety outcomes were infrequently evaluated. Mask performance was best preserved with dry heat decontamination. Germicidal effects were best in salt-, N-halamine- and nanoparticle-coated masks. Conclusion: There is limited evidence on the safety or efficacy of surgical mask decontamination. Given the heterogenous methods used in the studies to date, we are unable to draw conclusions on the most appropriate, safest intervention(s) for decontaminating surgical masks for the purpose of reuse.

scholarly journals Infection Control in Dental Anesthesiology: A Time for Preliminary Reconsideration of Current Practices

2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-120
Author(s):  
James Tom
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Protective Eyewear ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Care History ◽  
Current Practices

Relegated to clinical afterthought, the topic of infection control has never taken center stage in our modern dental sedation and anesthesiology practices. Surgical and procedural masks, gloves, gowns, protective eyewear, and appropriate surgical attire have remained de rigueur in both fashion and custom for decades. However, the emergence of certain seminal events throughout health care history has driven mandated changes when practitioners, staff, patients, and the surrounding communities were exposed or put at risk of exposure to infectious disease. Hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus, and now the global COVID-19 pandemic involving the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, have forced us into rethinking our current practices. This review article will contextualize previous epidemics and their influence on infection control in dental settings, and it will explore the rapid evolution of current modifications to personal protective equipment and infection mitigation practices specific to sedation and anesthesia in dentistry.

scholarly journals How did the COVID-19 pandemic change the practice of Paediatric Endoscopists in Europe?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilektra Athiana ◽  
Corinne Légeret ◽  
Patrick Bontems ◽  
Luigi Dall'Oglio ◽  
Paola De Angelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
European Society ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Endoscopic Procedures ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background: As endoscopists are at risk to get infected by the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 during endoscopic procedures, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) published recommendations regarding protection for the paediatric endoscopist and endoscopy suite staff. The aim of this survey was to investigate whether European paediatric gastroenterology centres applied the recommendations and how this extraordinary situation was handled by the different centres.Results: Twelve Paediatric European gastroenterology centers (from Belgium, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and United Kingdom) participated. Nine centres (75%) screened their patients for a possible COVID-19 infection before the procedure, the same amount of hospitals changed their practice based on the ESPGHAN recommendations. 67% of the centres reduced the staff in the endoscopy suite, 83% of the units used FFP2/3 masks and protective goggles during the procedure and 75% wore waterproof gowns.Conclusion: The global situation caused by COVID-19 changed so rapidly, and hospitals had to react immediately to protect staff and patients and could not wait for guidelines to be published. Furthermore, uniform guidelines could not be applied by all European hospitals at a certain time point of the viral spread, as different regions of Europe were not only affected differently by COVID-19, but also had different access to personal protective equipment.

scholarly journals Repercussions of Covid-19 crisis on students’ remote learning in Saudi universities

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-671
Author(s):  
Norah Al-Qahtania ◽  
Wafa Abdullah Al-Salem
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Priority Review ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Research Facilities ◽  
Remote Learning

  This study aims to identify the positive and negative repercussions of the novel Coronavirus crisis on students’ remote learning in Saudi universities. A descriptive survey method is carried out using a questionnaire and distributed to a cluster sample of 651 undergraduate students. Results reveal the most prominent positive repercussions, which are that the university cares about the learners' safety and health health and places them at the highest priority, review of recorded lectures and investing time. Results also reveal the most prominent negative repercussions, which are students’ concern about their academic conditions, reduced access to teaching and research facilities and laboratories, and large assignments. Statistically significant differences are also found in favour of males, health disciplines, and King Faisal University and University of Hail.   Keywords: Repercussions,covid-19, student,remote learning,Saudi universities

scholarly journals COVID-19 in Africa: The cost of perceived low incidence rates

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 050-054
Author(s):  
David Olufemi Adesanya ◽  
Precious Chidozie Azubuike
Keyword(s):  
Viral Disease ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
The Novel ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by the novel coronavirus and has hit many countries of the world heavily. The impact of COVID-19 in Africa, is contrary to the experts and professional predictions. Most African have very poor healthcare systems, water supply, sanitary environment and other factors that are requisite to combating the spread of the virus. Reports on COVID-19 incidence from Africa may not be a true reflection of the actual situation. The poor health information management system predominant in most African countries and the inability to carry out effective testing for cases could be responsible for this reported low incidence rates. The implications of perceived low incidence constitute a burden to governments of nations, health care workers, educational and other institutions, communities, women and girls; as well as members of the population. As the virus spreads across Africa, there is a need to improve active case finding and report same to enable effective planning and resource mobilization towards containing the spread of the virus.

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