Risk factors and outcome among COVID-19 exposed and quarantined healthcare workers: A study on the status of existing practices of standard precautions

CONTEXT: Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of COVID-19 infection but data on the risk factors for exposure and infection rate among Indian HCWs are limited. AIMS: Our study aims to identify the risk factors and behavior of HCWs which make them high risk for COVID-19 infection and the infection rate among them. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a retrospective study conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Fifty HCWs quarantined at our institute in April and May 2020 following exposure to confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases, or due to development of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) were included. Data was collected from medical records in a predesigned proforma and analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (76%) of the 50 quarantined HCWs had high-risk exposure and there was a significant breach in personal protective measures. N-95 masks were worn by 59.6%, gloves by 61.7%, and goggles or face shields by 2%. Exposures were more common in non-COVID areas of the hospital. Hydroxychloroquine pre-exposure prophylaxis was taken by 7 (14%). 3 (6%) were confirmed to be COVID-19 positive during the quarantine period. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown leniency among HCWs in adhering to infection control and personal protective measures resulting in an increased quarantine and infection rate and loss of manpower. The safety of our HCWs must be given paramount importance during this pandemic and should be ensured by educating them about infection control, and persistently reinforcing and strictly adhering to standard precautions.