COVID-19 transmission following outpatient endoscopy during pandemic acceleration phase involving SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 variant in UK

Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures put in place during the first phases of COVID-19 pandemic were effective reducing endoscopy-related transmission while allowing recovery activity. In late 2020 a novel, more infectious, SARS-CoV-2 variant (VOC 202012/01) was associated with second ’surge' or acceleration phase UK. We sought to measure whether pre-existing IPC guidance would be sufficient prevent this scenario. Prospective data collected from eight UK centres for n=2440 procedures. Pre-endoscopy, nine (0.37%) asymptomatic patients positive by nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) testing their procedures deferred. Post endoscopy, 30 (1.27%) developed symptoms suspicious COVID-19, 15 (0.65%) on NPS. Three (0.12%) cases attributed potential endoscopy attendance. All recovered fully requiring only community treatment. Although we report potentially transmitted attendance latest study, risk following outpatient remains very low. Thus, earlier appear robust, but our emphasise need vigilance strict adherence these order optimally protect both staff. The effects continue extend beyond direct care affected patients,1 particularly impacting diagnostics including GI endoscopy. Considerable concerns remain around impact detection of, survival from, significant disease such as cancer.2 3 In mid-2020, deceleration phase4 led period intense ‘restart recovery’ activity mitigate delayed cancelled This supported professional society development ‘COVID-minimised’ ‘green’ pathways NPS before procedure.5–7 Activity limited staff …