Provide space and encourage persons with symptoms of respiratory infections to sit as far away from others as possible. If available, facilities may wish to place these patients in a separate area while waiting for care.
Ensure rapid triage and isolation of patients who might have MERS-CoV infection
Identify patients at risk for having MERS-CoV infection before or immediately upon arrival to the hospital
Implement triage procedures to detect patients at risk for having MERS-CoV infections during or before patient triage or registration (e.g., at the time of patient check-in) and ensure that all patients are asked about the presence of symptoms of a respiratory infection and history of travel to areas experiencing transmission of MERS-CoV or contact with possible MERS-CoV patients. See the Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals for which patients to evaluate for MERS-CoV.
Immediately isolate those identified as at risk for having MERS-CoV infection
Implement Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette (i.e., placing a facemask over the patient's nose and mouth) and isolate those at risk for MERS-CoV infection in an Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR). See recommendations for “Patient Placement” below. Additional guidance for evaluating patients in U.S. for MERS-CoV infection can be found at the CDC Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) website.
Provide supplies to perform hand hygiene to all patients upon arrival to facility (e.g., at entrances of facility, waiting rooms, at patient check-in) and throughout the entire duration of the visit to the healthcare setting.