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Eliminating pathogen exposure is an important approach to control outbreaks of epidemics such as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). To deal with pathogenic environments, using disinfection robots is a practicable choice. This research formulates a 3D (three-dimensional) spatial disinfection strategy for a disinfection robot. First, a disinfection robot is designed with an extensible control framework for the integration of additional functions. The robot has eight degrees of freedom that can handle disinfection tasks in complex 3D environments where normal disinfection robots lack the capability to ensure complete disinfection. An ingenious clamping mechanism is designed to increase flexibility and adaptability. Secondly, a new coverage path planning algorithm targeted at the spraying area is used. This algorithm aims to achieve an optimal path via the rotating calipers algorithm after transformation between a 2D (two-dimensional) array and 3D space. Finally, the performance of the designed robot is tested through a series of simulations and experiments in various spaces that humans usually live in. The results demonstrate that the robot can effectively perform disinfection tasks both in computer simulation and in reality.
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Like all public utility, swimming pools had been treated with special procedures during the COVID19 pandemic. In addition to the basic rules (social distance + hand disinfection + masks), applicable to all citizens, the managers of swimming pools were obliged to reduce the number of swimmers and to increase the effects of water treatment. Monitoring, control and rapid response to unfavourable changes in the quality of swimming pool water are the basis for minimizing the risk of disease transmission or exposure of bathers to pathogens. The main purpose of this work is to analyse and compare the quality of swimming pool water in a municipal outdoor swimming pool complex, before (2018-2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). Water samples taken from a paddling pool for children (CP), a recreational pool (RP), and a sports pool (SP) were analysed. The results of the research, based on real case studies, were compared with the documents on water quality in swimming pools in force at the time. An analysis was carried out to determine the relationships between swimming pool water quality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tested parameters determining the quality of water were physico-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, redox, and bacteriological parameters (colony forming units CFU of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Legionella sp.). Based on the results of the analysis of the parameters mentioned-above, the validation of the procedures applied during the COVID-19 hazard and their impact on the quality of swimming pool water were evaluated. The results of the pool water quality tests were discussed with particular emphasis on disinfection by-products (THM and combined chlorine). Detailed analysis showed better water quality in the first year of the pandemic (2020) compared to 2018-2019 (before COVID-19) and 2021 (the second year of COVID-19 pandemic). The following parameters were found to be significantly different: THM (before 0.069 mg/L and during 0.034 mg/L), free chlorine (before 0.86 mg/L and during 0.66 mg/L), and redox potential (before 667 and during 713 mV).
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Objective To explore the effects of endoscopic reprocessing on disinfection and its influential factors under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods A total of 450 endoscopes cleaned and disinfected according to Technical Specifications for Cleaning and Disinfection of Endoscopes from November 2019 to January 2020, and 450 endoscopes cleaned and disinfected according to The recommended procedure for cleaning and disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes during COVID-19 epidemic by Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopology from February to April 2020 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled in the control group and observation group respectively by random number method. Both the control group and the observation group contained 200 gastroscopes, 200 enteroscopes and 50 ultrasound endoscopes. ATP fluorescence detection method and pour plate technique were used to evaluate the disinfection effect of endoscopes. Single factor analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for unqualified sterilization after endoscopic reprocessing. Results The disinfection pass rates of gastroscopes, enteroscopes and ultrasound endoscopes in the observation group were not significantly different compared with those of the control group (P>0. 05). The sterilization pass rates and ATP test pass rates of gastroscopes, enteroscopes and ultrasound endoscopes in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0. 05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-strict implementation of endoscopic reprocessing (OR = 7. 96, 95%CI: 4. 55-22. 84, P<0. 001), non-standard operation (OR = 2. 26, 95%CI: 1. 24-5. 63, P<0. 001), insufficient concentration of disinfectant (OR = 5. 43, 95% CI: 2. 52-9. 02, P < 0. 001), insufficient concentration ratio of multi-enzyme solution (OR = 4. 38, 95% CI: 1. 95-8. 61, P < 0. 001), non-timely cleaning (OR= 2. 86, 95%CI: 1. 33-6. 42, P<0. 001), incomplete cleaning (OR = 3. 75, 95%CI: 1. 61-7. 49, P<0. 001) and improper endoscopic preservation (OR= 2. 12, 95%CI: 1. 36-4. 12, P<0. 001) were independent risk factors for unqualified sterilization after endoscopic reprocessing. Conclusion In COVID-19 pandemic, endoscope reprocessing can significantly improve the disinfection effect of endoscopes, worthy of further clinical promotion. The failure to strictly implement the reprocessing procedure is an important factor that may lead to unqualified sterilization.Copyright © 2021 The authors.
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In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, getting infected through the built environment is being studied. The measures that should be taken to reduce infection through the built environment are essential;not only for COVID-19, but this idea is present at all times of widespread diseases.The purpose of this research is to systematically review the relationship between the built environment and the spread of infection to create a potential guideline to reduce the transmission rate. Articles and studies on the relationship between infectious disease and the built environment were reviewed.Articles matching the selection criteria were identified. Most articles described peer reviews, consensus statements, and reports. The articles have provided data that can be used as guidance for reducing the transmission of infection within the built environment. It was found that evidence has been created such as ventilation, buffer spaces, flooring, and surfaces that can reduce the infection of COVID-19.
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Among the observations noted were failure to maintain clean and sanitary conditions;lack of written procedures for cleaning and decontamination of the vessels used to transport and store materials at the site;and no formal requirements to clean and sanitize these vessels after each use. [...]documentation must include the names and signatures of staff performing the work, as well as the product batch number, cleaner expiry date, and disinfectants used. Single-use systems and equipment have eliminated some of those problems, but they persist for hybrid plants still using stainless steel equipment. More work is also being done to use analytical methods to reduce the subjectivity of visual inspection, but Forsyth hasn't seen any consistentlyin place from the time of marketing authorization application (MAA) filing.
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Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the awareness of cross-infection control measures followed by DHCPs during the 5th wave of Covid-19 pandemic, Omicron variant in a government sector university of Karachi, Pakistan. Method(s): A Cross-sectional study was conducted from June till September 2022 at Sindh Institute of Oral Health Science during the 5th wave of Covid 19 pandemic, Omicron variant. Data was collected from 153 DHCPs from government sector university using a self-administered questionnaire, comprising of 20 closed ended question to assess the awareness and practice of cross infection protocols by DHCPs. Result(s): 98.7% of the participants were vaccinated against Covid 19. 96% of the participants used surgical gowns, face shields, and face masks as part of PPE during examining patients and while performing procedure. After treatment 99.3% of participants washed hands with hand wash, soap or used antiseptic solution. 77.1% of participants asked for Covid 19 test report and 68.6% of participants asked for proof of vaccination against covid 19 before treating patients. 96.1% of participants recommended disinfection of dental unit after every patient. 98% of participants changed glove after every patient. 88.2% of the participants said they would carry all elective and emergency procedures. Conclusion(s): The results of this study show that DHCPs practicing at government sector university have adequate knowledge regarding prevention of cross infection protocols and their importance to limit spread of infections. But their practice of prevention of cross infection during Covid 19 pandemic is not ideal as percentage of DHCPs requiring proof of vaccination or negative reports for Covid 19 were rather low and the percentage of DHCPs willing to carry elective procedures along with emergency ones was rather high.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.
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To summarize thepractice and experience of targeted food hygiene security measures in a major field activity of the army in order to provide references for diverse tasks. Considering the characteristics of heavy activity, field operations and the influence of COVID-19, a series of support measures related to food hygiene surveillance were strengthened. The first measure was review of recipes, health management and training of employees, procurement and storage of raw materials, warehouse management, processing and manufacturing management, disinfection of tableware, as well as food sample retention. Secondly, the control points that probably cause spread of COVID-19 in the phase of food service industry were analyzed, then relevant supervision and guidance were carried out from the aspects of employees and diners, foods of cold chain logistics, environment and emergency response plan. Finally, in order to assure the safety of food processing and crowd-gathered diet in the field, the following measures were guided to adopted including selecting the site of cooking and dining properly, cleaning the environment, making dishes using pure water and semi-manufactured foodstuff, keeping food sanitation in the course of transport and dinning, as well as supervising the robot machines for cooking automatically. The main experiences were listed as follows: promoting food safety awareness of the principal and the employees of the canteen, enhancing legal enforcement capacity and technical capacity of health supervisors, focusing on new risks related to food safety as well as reinforcing the management of health supervisors and employees in the field.
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Objective To analyze the disinfection quality and influencing factors of nurseries in Nanjing during 2019-2021 so as to provide a scientific basis for optimizing preventive disinfection strategies and measures in nurseries. Methods Environmental samples from 389 nurseries in Nanjing from January 2019 to December 2021 were tested and the change of disinfection quality qualification rate was compared. Results The overall disinfection qualification rate of nurseries of year 2019-2021 were 96.32% 95.85% and 94.60% respectively showing a downward trend χ2trend = 8.67 P<0.05 . Specifically disinfection qualification rate of object surfaces staff hands and tableware showed a downward trend while the disinfection qualification rate of dynamic air showed an upward trend and the differences were statistically significant χ2trend = 23.17 12.32 5.37 21.48 P<0.05 . The total qualification rate of disinfection in Jiangning and Liuhe districts increased during 2019-2021 χ2trend = 21.46 24.05 P<0.05 . Conclusion Disinfection quality of nurseries in Nanjing has declined by year during 2019-2021 especially the object surfaces and staff hands. It is urgent to optimize and refine the strategies and measures for preventive disinfection in nurseries strengthen the training of personnel on disinfection knowledge and ensure the quality of disinfection in nurseries. © 2023 Chinese Journal of General Surgery. All rights reserved.
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Health service station is a place in which close contacts with the COVID-19 and other key populations are centralized quarantined for medical observation.A newly built health service station is equipped with 4 700 beds and a supporting sewage treatment station with a designed treatment scale of2 200 m~3/d.The treatment process consists of enhanced biological treatment system,sewage virus disinfection and sterilization system,aerosol disinfection and sterilization system and sludge disinfection and sterilization system.After treatment,the effluent and waste gas can meet the limit specified in Discharge Standard of Water Pollutants for Medical Organization （GB 18466-2005）.The average COD,NH3-N and SS in effluent are 14.53 mg/L,1.26 mg/L and 9.11 mg/L,respectively,and the average concentrations of H2S,NH3 and odor at the outlet are 0.01 mg/L,0.8 mg/L and 6.3,respectively.The sludge is disinfected regularly and then transported outside for disposal.This project can provide reference for sewage treatment design of emergency medical temporary isolation and observation facility and cabin hospital.
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Although the recent advent of a vaccine and other therapeutic aids in our fight against COVID-19 has brought us a step closer to controlling the pandemic, our fight is far from over. Handwashing, masks, and social distancing practices are considered reasonable measures to control the spread of the disease have been well accepted by government officials and public health officials despite scarce and conflicting scientific evidence. Taking into consideration the aforementioned measures, there is an additional perhaps overlooked practice that warrants our attention-nasal disinfection and hygiene.
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Introduction During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, rumors claimed that alcohol drinking could someway be useful in contrasting the contagion and even the disease. It appears opportune to bring some robust data to determine whether heavy alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers experienced different infection rates. Methods A cross-sectional study through a simple survey based on the social media software Weixin and the mini survey program Wenjuanxing was carried out in China after the zero-Covid policy ended, namely from 15:00 January 1, 2023, to 12:35 January 3, 2023. The evaluation was conducted among subjects belonging to the first author's Weixin community, mostly residents in the higher populated China area. Study participants received a questionary and were asked about their virus infection status, and were classified into two groups: (a) infected, meaning he/she has been infected at least once (whether recovered or not); (b) remain uninfected, meaning the virus has not infected him/her. A total of 211 subjects adhered to the survey. Alcoholic drinking behavior about liquors with no less than 40% alcohol content in volume was retrieved from the participants. In China, such beverages are almost uniquely referred to as the Chinese Spirits or BaiJiu. The frequency of drinking quantified the drinking behavior, and it is classified into three groups: never drink or drink occasionally (group A); drink one or two times per week (group B); drink three times per week or more often (group C). The hypothesis of an existing relationship between infection status and drinking behavior was advanced before data collection. The numbers of the uninfected people in each of the three drinking groups were counted, and the rates of not-infection were calculated. The rates are compared with each other to conclude whether significant differences exist, considering the size of the samples. The conclusion is drawn from standard hypothesis testing. Results The male/female ratio was 108/103 (51.2% and 48.8%), the mean age was 38.8 years (range 21-68), and the median age of 37.4 years. The total 211 participants fell into three groups with different drinking frequencies, with counts (percentages in total 211 participants) 139 (65.9%) in group A, 28 (13.3%) in group B, and 44 (20.8%) in group C. The number (percentage within the group) of uninfected members in groups A, B, and C are 29 (20.9%), 7 (25.0%), and 17 (38.6%), respectively. The statistical analysis through the Cochran-Armitage trend test gave a significative result: p=0.0209. Conclusions Within the methodology's limitations, this study shows the significant relationship between alcohol drinking habits and the chances of avoiding SARS-CoV-2 infection. A possible hypothesis explaining these findings is advanced. However, the authors warn about misleading conclusions and advocate research that could properly guide ethanol use in the present and other possible pandemics. Limitations This study is based on self-reported data from a specific community in China. There could be recall bias and social desirability bias, and the generalizability of the ï¬ndings to other populations could be limited. Other factors that could influence infection rates, such as age, occupation, and health status, are not controlled in the present study. There could be other explanations for the observed relationship between alcohol drinking habits and infection rates.
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Ultraviolet-C (UVC) has been used to cause virus inactivation. The virucidal activity of three UV light lamps [UVC high frequencies (HF), UVC+B LED and UVC+A LED] was evaluated against the enveloped feline coronavirus (FCoVII), a surrogate model of SARS-CoV-2, the enveloped vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and the naked encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). Virucidal assays were performed at different time points of UV-light exposure (i.e., 5, 30 minutes and 1, 6, and 8 hours), placing each virus 180 cm below the perpendicular irradiation of the lamp and 1 and 2 meters from the perpendicular axis. We found that the UVC HF lamp had virucidal effects (≥96.8% of virus inactivation) against FCoVII, VSV and EMCV after 5 minutes of irradiation at each distance analyzed. Moreover, the UVC+B LED lamp had the highest inhibitory effects on FCoVII and VSV infectivity (≥99% of virus inactivation) when these viruses were settled below the perpendicular axis of the lamp for 5 minutes. Conversely, the UVC+A LED lamp was the least effective, achieving ≥85.9% inactivation of enveloped RNA viruses after 8 hours of UV exposure. Overall, UV light lamps, and in particular UVC HF and UVC+B LED ones, had a rapid and strong virucidal activity against distinct RNA viruses, including coronaviruses.
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COVID-19 , Viruses , Humans , Ultraviolet Rays , SARS-CoV-2 , DisinfectionABSTRACT
CONTEXT: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare-associated infections have taken center stage. Healthcare has adjusted workflows to accommodate for more robust disinfecting regiments to help protect the community. This has resulted in the need for medical institutions to reevaluate the current disinfection protocols down to the student level. The osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) laboratory provides an optimal avenue for assessing the effectiveness of medical students' ability to clean examination tables. With OMM laboratories having a high level of interaction, adequate disinfection is important for the health and safety of students and teaching faculties. OBJECTIVES: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the current disinfection protocols in the medical school OMM labs. METHODS: A cross-sectional, nonrandomized study was performed on 20 OMM examination tables utilized for osteopathic training. Tables were chosen based on their close proximity to the podium. Close proximity was utilized as a criteria to increase the probability of utilization by students. The sampled tables were observed to ensure their use by students during class. Initial samples were collected in the morning after disinfection by Environmental Services. Terminal samples were collected after Osteopathic medical students utilized and disinfected the OMM examination tables. Samples were collected from the face-cradle and midtorso regions and analyzed utilizing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assays with an AccuPoint Advanced HC Reader. This reader provides a digital readout of the quantity of light measured in relative light units (RLUs), which is directly correlated to the amount of ATP present in the sample, providing an estimated pathogen count. For statistical analysis, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was utilized to find statistical differences in RLUs in samples after initial and terminal disinfection. RESULTS: The face cradle showed a 40â¯% increase in failure rate in samples after terminal disinfection when samples were compared after initial disinfection. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed an estimated pathogen level for face cradle that was significantly higher after terminal disinfection (median, 4,295â¯RLUs; range, 2,269-12919â¯RLUs; n=20) compared to initial disinfection (median, 769â¯RLUs; range, 29-2,422â¯RLUs; n=20), z=-3.8, p=0.00008, with a large effect size, d=2.2. The midtorso region showed a 75â¯% increase in samples after terminal disinfection when samples were compared after initial disinfection. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that the estimated pathogen levels for midtorso were significantly higher after terminal disinfecting (median, 656â¯RLUs; range, 112-1,922â¯RLUs; n=20) compared to initial disinfecting (median, 128â¯RLUs; range, 1-335â¯RLUs; n=20), z=-3.9, p=0.00012, with a large effect size, d=1.8. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that medical students frequently failed to disinfect high-touch regions on examination tables, such as the midtorso and the face cradle. It is recommended that the current OMM lab disinfection protocol be modified to include the disinfection of high-touch regions in order to reduce the possibility of pathogen transmission. Further research should explore the effectiveness of disinfection protocols in clinical settings such as outpatient offices.
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Water reuse from wastewater sources still remain some critical safety concerns associated with treacherous contaminants like pathogenic viruses. In this study, viral diversities in campus wastewater (CWW) and its reclaimed water (RCW) recycled for toilet flushing and garden irrigation of a university dormitory were assessed using metagenomic sequencing for acquisition of more background data. Results suggested majority (>80%) of gene sequences within assembled contigs predicted by open reading frame (ORF) finder were no-hit yet believed to be novel/unrevealed viral genomic information whereas hits matched bacteriophages (i.e., mainly Myoviridae, Podoviridae, and Siphoviridae families) were predominant in both CWW and RCW samples. Moreover, few pathogenic viruses (<1%) related to infections of human skin (e.g., Molluscum contagiosum virus, MCV), digestion system (e.g., hepatitis C virus, HCV), and gastrointestinal tract (e.g., human norovirus, HuNoV) were also noticed raising safety concerns about application of reclaimed waters. Low-affinity interactions of particular viral exterior proteins (e.g., envelope glycoproteins or spike proteins) for disinfectant ligand (e.g., chlorite) elucidated treatment limitations of current sewage processing systems even with membrane bioreactor and disinfectant contactor. Revolutionary disinfection approaches together with routine monitoring and new regulations are prerequisite to secure pathogen-correlated water quality for safer reuse of reclaimed waters.
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Disinfectants , Norovirus , Humans , Wastewater , Universities , Water QualityABSTRACT
We assessed the disinfection efficacy of an ozone generator prototype in ambulances used to transport patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This research consisted of three stages: in vitro tests using microbial indicators, such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella phage, which were experimentally inoculated onto polystyrene crystal surfaces within a 23 m3 enclosure. They were then exposed to ozone at a 25 ppm concentration using the ozone generator (Tecnofood SAC) portable prototype, and the decimal reduction time (D) was estimated for each indicator. The second stage involved the experimental inoculation of the same microbial indicators on a variety of surfaces inside conventional ambulances. The third stage consisted of exploratory field testing in ambulances used to transport patients with suspected COVID-19. During the second and third stages, samples were collected by swabbing different surfaces before and after 25 ppm ozonisation for 30 min. Results suggested that ozone was most effective on Candida albicans (D = 2.65 min), followed by Escherichia coli (D = 3.14 min), Salmonella phage (D = 5.01 min) and Staphylococcus aureus (D = 5.40 min). Up to 5% of the microbes survived following ozonisation of conventional ambulances. Of the 126 surface samples collected from ambulances transporting patients with COVID-19, 7 were positive (5.6%) for SARS-related coronavirus as determined on reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Ozone exposure from the ozone generator prototype inside ambulances at a concentration of 25 ppm for 30 min can eliminate gram positive and negative bacteria, yeasts, and viruses.
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COVID-19 , Ozone , Humans , Disinfection/methods , Ambulances , Peru , Pandemics , Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coliABSTRACT
To minimize health risks, surrogates are often employed to reduce experiments with pathogenic microorganisms and the associated health risk. Due to structural similarities between the enveloped RNA -viruses SARS-CoV-2 and Phi6, the latter has been established as a nonpathogenic coronavirus surrogate for many applications. However, large discrepancies in the UV log-reduction doses between SARS-CoV-2 and Phi6 necessitate the search for a better surrogate for UV inactivation applications. A literature study provided the bacteriophage PhiX174 as a potentially more suitable nonpathogenic coronavirus surrogate candidate. In irradiation experiments, the sensitivity of PhiX174 was investigated upon exposure to UV radiation of wavelengths 222 nm (Far-UVC), 254 nm (UVC), 302 nm (broad-band UVB), 311 nm (narrow-band UVB) and 366 nm (UVA) using a plaque assay. The determined log-reduction doses for PhiX174 were 1.3 mJ/cm2 @ 222 nm, 5 mJ/cm2 @ 254 nm, 17.9 mJ/cm2 @ 302 nm, 625 mJ/cm2 @ 311 nm and 42.5 J/cm2 @ 366 nm. The comparison of these results with published log-reduction doses of SARS-CoV-2 in the same spectral region, led to the conclusion that the bacteriophage PhiX174 exhibits larger log-reduction doses than SARS-CoV-2, nevertheless, it is a better UV-surrogate at 222 nm (Far-UVC), 254 nm (UVC) and 302 nm (UVB) than the often applied Phi6.
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Sterilization of hospitals is one of the major concerns when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness especially during a pandemic situation. The existing methodologies include ultraviolet disinfection or hydrochloride spraying for sterilizing hospital rooms and chemical treatment for surgical and medical equipment. However since COVID strains are developing at a rapid rate, it is necessary for more efficacy and accuracy in sterilization. According to the August 2021 census collected by NCBI, 87 percent of virus transmission is only because of improper sterilization. The following paper proposes efficient and proven ultrasonic sterilization methods that can be preferred to ultraviolet and chemical sterilization in sterilizing not only hospital rooms but also any crowded regions like malls and schools. The Cremant's formula helps in determining the appropriate and effective sterilization ultrasonic frequency level. Using machine learning algorithms, the approximate location, and the number of droplets per second present in the room will be calculated and treated with ultrasonic waves. This demonstration is proved using micro silicon balls which are similar in properties of COVID - 19 viruses. Simulation results are displayed to show the working of the same.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the release of toxic disinfection by-products (DBPs) has increased due to the intensive, large-scale use of disinfectants. Halogenated benzoquinones (HBQs) are among the most toxic DBPs, but there is no rapid, convenient, and economical detection method. In this study, a novel PDIL/BDD-modified electrode was prepared in a mixed solvent of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and acetonitrile (ACN) by electrochemical polymerization with a di-ionic ionic liquid containing alkenyl groups as the monomer. The electrochemical behavior of tetra-chloro-p-benzoquinone (TCBQ) on the modified electrode was studied. By studying the cyclic voltammetry behavior of TCBQ on the PDIL/BDD electrode, it was concluded that the electrode reactions of TCBQ included the reduction of TCBQ to TCBQH2 (C1) and the reduction of bis-quinhydrone imidazole π-π type charge transfer complex to TCBQH2 (C2). By studying the SWV responses of TCBQ in the concentration range of 1-100 ng/L on the PDIL/BDD electrode, it was found that the reduction peak current (Ipa) had a linear relationship with the concentration. The electrochemical SWV technique was used to detect the concentration of trace TCBQ in water and is expected to be used for the detection of other HBQs in drinking water and swimming pool water.
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Introduction: Medical colleges in India are opening gradually for resumption of medical education. Assessment of learning behavior and perspectives of students toward COVID-19 pandemic is essential for effective medical education as well as to assess their role in pandemic if need arises. Hence, the present study aims to assess learning behavior and perspective of medical students on COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2020 among 392 medical students at various medical colleges of the country. An online self-administered questionnaire was designed to assess learning behavior of medical students about infection prevention and control practices in COVID-19 adopted during the course of pandemic. Snowball sampling method was used for data collection. Results: On assessment of 392 medical students about preventive measures during COVID-19 pandemic, more than 80% of medical students were aware of the importance of facemask, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and use of digital tools such as Aarogya Setu app in surveillance. Majority of students were aware of the symptoms, testing, and treatment protocols along with importance of self-reporting. Most of the students were aware of various sources of getting scientific and relevant information about pandemic. While majority of students were aware of rationale of quarantine, appropriate waste management technique, and post-COVID precautions, there was a lack of knowledge about appropriate disinfection measures. Conclusions: Medical students are an asset to health care;learning behaviors adopted by them can certainly help to assist health-care system in COVID times.