THE CIRCULATION OF SARS-COV-2 VIRUS IN WARD ENVIRONMENT OF COVID-19 INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, DR. SOETOMO HOSPITAL SURABAYA

Abstract

Introduction: The big problem for tackling of the transmission of covid-19 is to suppress the viral particle in the air and environment. The severe covid-19 is commonly managed in negative pressure ICU ward. Covid-ICU room in Dr. Soetomo hospital is comprising of 5 rooms, 2 beds per room. Aims: to evaluate the presentation of SARS-CoV-2 virus, that was contaminating the room air, floor and other surfaces inside the Covid-ICU. Methods: The samples were collected from main room, anteroom, room for clothing, the lobby outside the room, and an outside. Air sampler (As82 PURIVA H1) was used, capacity at 200 m2/hour. Virus filter was put in port of air entry, after air suction for 2 hours, then immersed in VTM for PCR examination. Air samples were taken from all area, ante-room, patient room, gallery, clothing room, nurse station, ICU yard outside the room. Samples of surfaces were done by swabbing on floor, bed cover, door handle, medical equipment, wall and other equipment, 5 locations for each target. Result and Discussion: The total of 39 air samples were collected and examined with a PCR machine, 5 (12.8%) positive namely 2 samples from gallery and 3 from one room, whereas from 30 surfaces, 1 (3.3%) positive, from sample of bed cover. The air exhaust hole near the patient beds was suggested to blow out the contaminated air, but this study showed that it is still risk for healthcare worker or cleaning service persons that routinely work inside the room. Laundry is also at risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 virus is identified in air and surface of Covid-ICU wards, indicate the risk for Covid-19 transmission. It is important for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) policy in clinical setting.