Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is emerging as a global threat to public health. It causes severe acute respiratory infection and is highly contagious. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has published specific guidance for ophthalmologists, as they may be the first medical professionals to evaluate patients possibly infected with COVID-19. It has recently been established that COVID-19 can cause conjunctivitis in a minority of patients.

Be aware that patients with both conjunctivitis and respiratory symptoms may be infected with COVID-19, particularly if they have recently returned from an area of the world where COVID 19 is known to occur or been in contact with people who have done so.

Please follow recommended infection control guidelines.

For more comprehensive and detailed information, including links to other useful websites, visit www.aao.org/headline/alert-important-coronavirus-context

News and notices in Comm Eye Health South Asia Vol. 33 No. 108 2020 –

• COVID-19 and Ophthalmology in African Eye Units: conference recordings now available
• Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)