ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Aerosols and droplets are the main vectors in transmission of highly contagious SARS-Cov-2. Invasive diagnostic procedures like upper airway and gastrointestinal endoscopy have been declared as aerosol generating procedures. Protection of health care workers is crucial in times of COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We simulated aerosol and droplet spread during upper airway and gastrointestinal endoscopy with and without physico-mechanical barriers using a simulation model. RESULTS: A clear plastic drape as used for central venous access markedly reduced visualized aerosol and droplet spread during endoscopy. CONCLUSION: A simple and cheap drape has the potential to reduce aerosol and droplet spread during endoscopy. In terms of health care worker protection, this may be important particularly in low- or moderate-income countries.