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for accurate, evidence-based information and advice on COVID-19 are very high, and extraordinary efforts for rapid and continuous information provision to the general public and healthcare staff should be ongoing. Information should be communicated in a transparent and consistent way to stakeholders and to the public, according to the unfolding epidemiological situation. Risk communication strategies should clearly provide the rationale behind any non-pharmaceutical countermeasures that are implemented or planned, such as social distancing. The need for individual and shared responsibility should be emphasised through a focus on frequent hand washing, always covering the mouth and nose with tissues or elbow when sneezing or coughing, and implementation of self-isolation when symptomatic. Messaging on self-isolation and voluntary quarantines should encourage consideration of a support system to provide essential services and supplies (e.g. food and medication). Vulnerable individuals including the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, disabled people, people with mental health problems, homeless people, and undocumented migrants will require extra support and perhaps specific communication channels and language. Authorities may want to consider coordinating with and supporting civil society and religious groups who already work with these populations. Please refer to the guidance on community engagement for more details. Infection prevention and control in healthcare settings An important proportion of reported cases in China and Italy, especially from the initial period of the outbreaks have been among healthcare workers. Such cases have important consequences in addition to the health of the individuals, as quarantine measures may need to be put in place for close contacts among staff, and the exposure may be life threatening for exposed patients in the healthcare facilities. Therefore infection prevention and control (IPC) practices are of critical importance in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic protecting the functioning of healthcare services and mitigating the impact on vulnerable populations. ECDC has published an update of its technical report on infection prevention and control (IPC) for the care of patients with COVID-19 in healthcare settings [60]. The update, for administrators and healthcare professionals, outlines technical measures and resources for reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare settings, including LTCF, and laboratories in the EU/EEA. Guidance is provided for preparedness; triage, initial contact and assessment in primary and emergency care; patient transport; environmental cleaning; and waste management. The immediate priority is to designate a full-time staff member at each health facility to be the lead for infection prevention and control and preparedness for COVID-19, responsible for the education and training of staff, including full compliance with hand hygiene according to WHO’s 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene approach before touching a patient [62]. Training on standard IPC precautions for all staff should be initiated. If feasible, provide training to those who may be required for healthcare provision during surge capacity, for example agency staff, student doctors/nurses and retired health professionals. Respiratory hygiene measures include ensuring that all staff and patients cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing; offering a medical mask to those with suspected 2019-nCoV infection while they are in waiting/public areas or in cohorting rooms; and performing hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions. Staff with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 should contact a pre-identified 24/7 contact line at the facility and self-isolate. If a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 is detected in a facility, all staff should be informed [60]. If cases are cared for in the home environment, IPC measures are outlined in the WHO guidance for homecare of patients with COVID-19 [63]. LTCFs should implement the baseline options for preparedness for COVID-19 described in the guidance document, given that the rapidity of an onset of a COVID-19 outbreak may result in insufficient time to implement the necessary IPC [60]. Countries and healthcare institutions should identify additional facilities (e.g. healthcare units, departments, or existing healthcare buildings) that can be used for the cohorting of cases with mild symptoms, in advance of capacity being exceeded in existing healthcare facilities. Cohorting may help conserve PPE and reduce the risk of transmission to non-cases. The minimum requirements for units designated for the management of confirmed COVID-19 patients are the availability of isolation rooms with a dedicated bathroom, staff adequately trained in the safe diagnostic evaluation and management of COVID-19 patients; the availability of appropriate PPEs; adequate laboratory support; and appropriate cleaning and waste management procedures. Negative pressure isolation rooms are strongly recommended for the performance of aerosol generating procedures [60]. ECDC published a technical report on personal protective equipment needs in healthcare settings for the care of patients with suspected or