SARS-CoV-2—How can and must medical personnel protect themselves?

Abstract

The SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic represents a great challenge worldwide not only under the aspect of treatment but also of prevention. The infection curve could be flattened by the rapid implementation of simple distance and hygiene measures. In order to ensure current and future patient care in conjunction with protection of medical personnel working in the healthcare system during this pandemic, adequate protective equipment is essential. Routine care can only be resumed if there is sufficient and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). If recommended hygiene protective measures including the necessary PPE are seriously taken into account both elective interventions and emergency care can be carried out without an increased risk of infection. This is very important in vascular surgery with a high proportion of urgent and emergency disease management.