mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Treatment and Management
When can patients with confirmed COVID-19 be discharged from the hospital?
Patients can be discharged from the healthcare facility whenever clinically
indicated. Isolation should be maintained at home if the patient returns home
before the time period recommended for discontinuation of hospital
Transmission-Based Precautions.
Decisions to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions or in-home isolation
can be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with clinicians, infection
prevention and control specialists, and public health authorities based upon
multiple factors, including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and
results of laboratory testing for COVID-19 in respiratory specimens.
See Interim Considerations for Disposition of Hospitalized Patients with
COVID-19.
For non-hospitalized persons, see Interim Guidance for Implementing Home Care
of People Not Requiring Hospitalization for
COVID-19, and
Discontinuation of In-Home Isolation for Immunocompromised
Persons.
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Testing, Diagnosis, and Notification
If a patient tests positive for another respiratory virus, should that exclude SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of illness?
Patients can be infected with more than one virus at the same time.
Coinfections with other respiratory viruses in people with COVID-19 have been
reported. Therefore, identifying infection with one respiratory virus does not
exclude SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Testing, Diagnosis, and Notification
Do existing commercially available multiple respiratory virus panels detect SARS-CoV-2?
Yes. There are commercially developed respiratory panels with multi-pathogen
molecular assays that can detect respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2,
influenza, and other human coronaviruses that can cause acute respiratory
illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a list of tests
that includes viral tests with Emergency Use Authorizationexternal
icon (EUA).
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Testing, Diagnosis, and Notification
How do you test a patient for infection with SARS-CoV-2?

Clinicians are able to access laboratory testing through state and local public health laboratories, as well as commercial and clinical laboratories across the country. The Association of Public Health Laboratoriesexternal icon provides a list of states and territories with laboratories that are using COVID-19 viral tests. For more information, see Testing in U.S. Clinicians should direct testing questions to their state health departments. Commercial reference laboratories are also able to offer a larger volume of testing for SARS-CoV-2.
CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are at the discretion of state and local health departments and/or individual clinicians.
Healthcare providers should report positive results to their local/state health department CDC does not directly collect these data directly.
See recommendations for prioritization of testing, and instructions for specimen collection at Evaluating and Testing Persons for COVID-19.
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Testing, Diagnosis, and Notification
Should chest CT be used for diagnosis of COVID-19?
Clinicians considering use of chest CT scans for diagnosis or management of
COVID-19 patients should consider whether such imaging will change clinical
management. The American College of Radiology (ACR) recommends that CT should
not be used to screen for COVID-19, or as a first-line test to diagnose
COVID-19, and that CT should be used sparingly and reserved for hospitalized,
symptomatic patients with specific clinical indications for CT. Appropriate
infection control procedures should be followed before scanning subsequent
patients. For more information see, ACR Recommendations for the use of Chest
Radiography and Computed Tomography (CT) for Suspected COVID-19
Infectionexternal iconexternal icon.
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Drugs and Investigational Therapies
What antiviral drugs are available to treat COVID-19?
There are currently no antiviral drugs approved by FDA to treat COVID-19. See
Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

For information on use of investigational drugs for treatment of patients with COVID-19, see Therapeutic Options for Patients with COVID-19.
For information on specific clinical trials underway for treatment of patients with COVID-19 infection, visit clinicaltrials.govexternal icon.
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Patients with Hypertension
Should angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) be stopped in patients with COVID-19?
No. The American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of America, and
the American College of Cardiology recommendexternal
icon continuing ACE-I or ARB medications for all patients already
prescribed those medications for indications such as heart failure,
hypertension, or ischemic heart disease. At this time, available evidence
demonstrates no indication of COVID-specific harm from these agents. Several
randomized controlled trials are under way to better answer this important
clinical question. Cardiovascular disease patients diagnosed with COVID-19
should be fully evaluated by a healthcare professional before adding or
removing any treatments, and any changes to their treatment should be based on
the latest scientific evidence. Patients who rely on ACE-Is or ARBs to treat
chronic conditions and have additional questions should speak to their
healthcare provider for individualized management
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Patients with Liver Disease
Should people with COVID-19 and increased ALT or AST be tested for viral hepatitis?
Yes, for your COVID-19 patients with risk factors for viral hepatitis and
elevated hepatic enzymes, consider testing them for hepatitis A virus,
hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus infections. However, elevated alanine
aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) may also be
associated with COVID-19 alone and indicate greater severity of illness. For
more information, review CDC’s Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of
Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease
(COVID-19)
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
COVID-19 Risk
Are pregnant healthcare personnel at increased risk for adverse outcomes if they care for patients with COVID-19?
Pregnant healthcare personnel (HCP) should follow risk
assessment and
infection control guidelines for HCP exposed to patients with suspected or
confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infection prevention and control
practices is an important part of protecting all HCP in healthcare settings.
Information on COVID-19 in pregnancy is very limited; facilities may want to
consider limiting exposure of pregnant HCP to patients with confirmed or
suspected COVID-19, especially during higher risk procedures (e.g., aerosol-
generating procedures) if feasible based on staffing availability.
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Transmission
When is someone infectious?
The onset and duration of viral shedding and the period of infectiousness for
COVID-19 are not yet known. It is possible that SARS-CoV-2 RNA may be
detectable in the upper or lower respiratory tract for weeks after illness
onset, similar to infections with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. However, detection of
viral RNA does not necessarily mean that infectious virus is present. There
are reports of asymptomatic infections (detection of virus with no development
of symptoms) and pre-symptomatic infections (detection of virus prior to
development of symptoms) with SARS-CoV-2, but their role in transmission is
not yet known. Based on existing literature, the incubation period (the time
from exposure to development of symptoms) of SARS-CoV-2 and other
coronaviruses (e.g. MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV) ranges from 2–14 days.
Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Waste Management
Do wastewater and sewage workers need any additional protection when handling untreated waste from healthcare or community setting with either a known COVID-19 patient or PUI?
Wastewater workers should use standard practices including basic hygiene
precautions and
wear the recommended
PPE as
prescribed for their current work tasks when handling untreated waste. There
is no evidence to suggest that employees of wastewater plants need any
additional protections in relation to COVID-19.
Cloth Face Coverings: Questions and Answers
Do I still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people if wearing a cloth face covering?
Yes. Wearing cloth face coverings is an additional public health measure
people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. CDC still recommends that
you stay at least 6 feet away from other people (social distancing), frequent
hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions. A cloth face covering is
not intended to protect the wearer, but it may prevent the spread of virus
from the wearer to others. This would be especially important if someone is
infected but does not have symptoms. View CDC’s guidance on how to protect
yourself.
Cruise Ship Crew Member Disembarkations
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are crew members required to use noncommercial travel if they are on a “COVID-free” ship?
At this time, given the limited availability of testing onboard ships and
inconsistent reporting from cruise ships, CDC does not have confirmation or
evidence that any cruise ship is free of COVID-19. We are currently in a phase
of the pandemic where it is necessary to implement strict measures to control
the spread of COVID-19. Just as the American public has a role to play by
practicing social distancing, cruise lines have a role to play in limiting the
contact their crew members have with the public when disembarking. This is why
CDC has provided instructions for the safe disembarkation of crew in a manner
that will not endanger the public’s health. We are hopeful that more cruise
lines will take advantage of the opportunity to use the attestation process.
Crew members who remain at sea and want to disembark should contact their
cruise ship or cruise line about meeting CDC requirements for safe
disembarkation and transport.
Cruise Ship Crew Member Disembarkations
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is CDC requiring that cruise officials sign a legal attestation?
Requiring a signed attestation helps ensure that the information provided by
cruise officials as a condition of disembarking or transferring crew is
truthful and accurate. By signing the legal attestation documents, cruise line
officials certify that the information they provided to CDC is truthful and
accurate. If the information is not truthful and accurate, these officials are
subject to the criminal penalty provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 1001. It is common
to ask corporate officials in other settings to certify that statements made
to the U.S. Government on behalf of the corporate entity are true and correct,
such as in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing or when seeking
payment reimbursement under Medicare.
Cruise Ship Crew Member Disembarkations
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ships required to comply with the No Sail Order if they are not operating in U.S. waters?
CDC’s No Sail Order (NSO)external
icon applies to all cruise ships operating, or seeking to
operate, in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction. CDC recommends that all
cruise lines follow the same guidance for safe travel to protect the public’s
health, including conducting a medical screening at disembarkation, providing
face coverings, and advising crew members to stay home for 14 days after
disembarking.
Cruise lines that are unable or unwilling to abide by all elements outlined in
the NSO and CDC’s Interim Guidance for
Cruise Ships During the Period of the No Sail
Order must
remain entirely outside U.S. waters during the period of the NSO. Cruise ships
that expect to operate in U.S. waters in any capacity or for any length of
time must follow all elements outlined in the NSO and in the Interim Guidance,
even while outside of U.S. waters.
However, the NSO does not apply to ships operating entirely outside of U.S.
waters. Foreign jurisdictions may impose their own restrictions or
requirements on cruise ships.
Cruise Ship Crew Member Disembarkations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDC’s legal authority for preventing crew who are U.S. citizens from disembarking cruise ships?
CDC is using its legal authority under the No Sail Order and 42 CFR 71.31(b),
71.32(b) to stipulate specific conditions for the safe disembarkation of crew
in a manner that will not endanger the public’s health. Having cruise lines
sign a legal attestation is one method of ensuring that these conditions have
been or will be met. CDC is not detaining crew who are U.S. citizens or
preventing them from entering the United States. We are hopeful that more
cruise lines will take the necessary steps to ensure that their crew members
get home safely in a way that will not risk the health and safety of our
communities.
Cruise Ship Crew Member Disembarkations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDC doing to ensure cruise lines are adhering to the No Sail Order?
CDC has provided Interim Guidance for cruise ships during the period of the No Sail
Order to help inform the plans that cruise lines develop to prevent, detect,
contain, and respond to COVID-19 on their ships.
CDC is committed to the safety and well-being of crew members while onboard
and as they disembark. Crew members on ships in or intending to be in US
waters who have questions about the process for disembarkation or who have
concerns about what their ship is doing to prevent COVID-19 onboard can share
their questions or concerns with CDC by sending an email to
eocevent431@cdc.gov
CDC is also reminding all cruise lines in U.S. waters or seeking to operate in
U.S. waters of these requirements. With the assistance of its federal, state,
and local partners, CDC stands ready to direct ships that do not comply to
leave U.S. waters. CDC also reminds cruise ship operators that those who do
not comply may be subject to criminal penalties.
Cruise Ship Crew Member Disembarkations
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements of the attestation that cruise lines are required to sign before crew can disembark, or transfer to another ship?
By signing the attestation form, cruise ship operators agree to follow
specific conditions that are designed to allow crew to safely disembark while
protecting public health, including the following:

Arrange to transport crew members to their final destination (US or overseas) by industry-chartered private transport, industry-chartered private flights, or personal vehicles (no rental cars, taxis, or ride-share services) with measures in place to ensure neither those involved in transport nor other members of the public are exposed to the disembarking individuals.
Screen disembarking crew members for symptoms of COVID-19.
Ensure crew members with known exposures to COVID-19 are transported separately from those with no known exposure.
Provide face coverings, such as a cloth face covering, to disembarking crew members or confirm that they have their own face coverings.
Instruct disembarking crew members to stay home for 14 days and continue to practice social distancing after reaching their final destination.
Ensure disembarking crew members: 
will not stay overnight in a hotel before the flight or at any point until they reach their final destination
will not use public transportation (including taxis, rental cars or ride-share services) to get to the airport/charter flight
will not enter the public airport terminal
will not take commercial aircraft after an initial charter flight
will not have a transportation layover exceeding 8 hours
will not have interaction with the public during their travel home or to their new duty station (e.g., rental car companies, restaurants, other public areas)
Event Planning and COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Confirmed case of COVID-19 at an event
What steps should I take if an attendee or staff person develops symptoms of COVID-19 while at the event?
If a staff member or attendee becomes sick at your event, separate them from
others as soon as possible and until they can go home. Provide them with
clean, disposable facemaskspdf iconpdf
icon
to wear, if available. If not available, provide them with a tissue or some
other way to cover their coughs and sneezes. If needed, contact emergency
services for those who need emergency care. Public transportation, shared
rides, and taxis should be avoided for sick persons. Be sure to contact local
public health officials regarding the possible case of COVID-19 at your event
and how to communicate with staff and attendees about possible exposure to the
virus. Read more about preventing the spread of COVID-19 if someone is
sick.
Event Planning and COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Planning and Preparedness
What are things to consider when determining if an event needs to be postponed or canceled?
Consult with local public health officials and continually assess, based on
current conditions, whether to postpone, cancel, or significantly reduce the
number of attendees (if possible) at an event or gathering. When determining
if you should postpone or cancel a large gathering or event, consider the:

Overall number of attendees or crowd size.
Number of attendees who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19. This includes older adults and people with underlying health problems such as lung or heart disease and diabetes.
How close together attendees will be at the event.
Potential ways to minimize economic impact to attendees, staff, and the local community.
Amount of spread in local community and the communities from where your attendees are likely to travel.
Needs and capacity of the local community to host or participate in your event.
Event Planning and COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community
Do I need to cancel an event if there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community?
If there is minimal or moderate spread of COVID-19 in the community, CDC
recommends cancelling an:

event that includes 250 people or more. 
3/29/20 UPDATE: The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America—Slow the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19): 
More Information on Mass Gatherings
Read the White House noticepdf iconexternal iconpdf iconexternal icon


event likely to have 10 or more people who are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 illness. This includes older adults and people with underlying health problems such as lung or heart disease and diabetes.

If there is substantial spread of COVID-19 in the community, CDC recommends
cancelling events of any size. See guidance for definitions of minimal,
moderate, and substantial spreadpdf iconpdf
icon.
Event Planning and COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Planning and Preparedness
What actions can staff and attendees take to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Encourage staff and attendees to take everyday preventive
actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses,
such as COVID-19. This includes:

Cleaning your hands often.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying home when you are sick.
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Event Planning and COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Planning and Preparedness
What actions should I take to plan for an outbreak?
Creating an emergency plan for mass gatherings and large community events,
such as concerts and sporting events, can help protect the health of your
staff, attendees, and the local community. This planning should include:

Encouraging staff and attendees to stay home if sick.
Developing flexible refund policies for attendees.
Providing supplies for attendees and staff that can be used to help prevent the spread of germs.
Consulting local public health officials about your event.
Event Planning and COVID-19: Questions and Answers
Event cancellations
When does CDC recommend that I cancel or postpone an event?
If there is minimal or moderate spread of COVID-19 in the community, CDC
recommends cancelling an:

event that includes 250 people or more. 
3/16/20 UPDATE: During the next 15 days, all U.S. events of 10+ people should be cancelled or held virtually. 
More Information on Mass Gatherings
Read the White House noticepdf iconexternal iconpdf iconexternal icon


event likely to have 10 or more people who are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 illness. This includes older adults and people with underlying health problems such as lung or heart disease and diabetes.

If there is substantial spread of COVID-19 in the community, CDC recommends
cancelling events of any size. See page 9 of CDC’s Community Mitigation
Framework or definitions of “minimal, moderate, and substantial spreadpdf
iconpdf icon.”
FAQs for Administrators and Leaders at Community- and Faith-Based Organizations
Confirmed COVID-19 case within your organization or facility
What is the best way to clean and disinfect rooms and other areas after a confirmed case of COVID-19?
If you think someone on your staff or one of your members who has been in your
facility might be sick with COVID-19 (see COVID-19
symptoms):

Send the sick person home right away or separate them from others (such as in a separate room just for sick people) until they can go home. 
Give them a clean, disposable facemaskpdf icon to wear until they can leave, if available. If not available, provide them with a tissue or some other way to cover their coughs and sneezes.
Do not use of public transportation, shared rides, and taxis to transport the sick person home.
Contact emergency services for those who need emergency care, when needed, and let them know about the person’s symptoms.


Contact local public health officials and communicate with staff, members, and volunteers about possible exposure to the virus. 
Read preventing the spread of COVID-19 if someone is sick to learn more.


Local health officials can offer guidance for closing the facility or restricting access. An initial short-term closure may be recommended to allow time for the local health officials to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 situation. 
Implement flexible telework and sick-leave policies for staff, if possible, and provide instructions about how and when to safely return to work.
Consider the need to cancel in-person group activities in other locations. Instead use phone and online (live or recorded) meeting and service options.
Work with local public health officials to decide when it is safe to re-open the facility and your programs and services.
FAQs for Administrators and Leaders at Community- and Faith-Based Organizations
Get Prepared
What steps should my organization take to prepare?
To help your organization prepare for the possible spread of
COVID-19, ensure
your emergency operations plan includes key COVID-19 prevention
strategies and covers groups at increased risk for severe
illness. This includes, but is not limited to, older adults
and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions, such as
heart or lung disease or diabetes.
Be sure all staff, volunteers, and members are familiar with your emergency
operations plan. Ensure you know how to contact them with information and
updates (such as through text message and websites). Alert local public health
officials about large increases in staff or regular member absenteeism,
particularly if absences appear due to respiratory illnesses (such as, the
common cold and the flu, which have
symptoms similar to COVID-19 (fever, cough, and difficulty
breathing). Read CDC’s
guidance to learn more about how to get your
community- or faith-based organization ready for COVID-19. CDC also has
guidance that covers additional strategies to protect your
staff.