What we know 
1. COVID-19 is highly infective disease caused by novel-Corona virus; WHO has declared it a Pandemic.
2. Transmission may occur through droplets, contact and fomites; Tear samples of infected cases with or without conjunctivitis can carry the virus.
3. The virus may be present on surface of door handles/knobs, mobile phones and other belongings of affected persons.
4. Social distancing is a proven way to prevent transmission in the community.
5. We need not panic but we should be prepared to handle the crisis responsibly.
What is the risk 
1. The proximity between an Ophthalmologist and a patient during ophthalmic evaluation/procedure may pose an increased direct risk for transmission. 
What are the precautions advised 
1. Use of masks for mouth & nose and use of visor for eye protection; as well as liberal use of soap and water for hand wash/alcohol-based hand sanitizers cannot be overemphasized.
2. Avoiding non-emergency/non-essential services in hospital OPD and OT as an abundant caution; it should help reduce chances of transmission and save vital resources for use where needed more.
3. Notice/Posters requesting patients who are not suffering from any emergency condition to avoid entering clinic/hospital; they may be counseled over phone but not prescribed (since telephonic consultation is not allowed).
4. History of any fever, cough and/or breathing problems; history of overseas travel in the last 2 to 3 weeks; history of any contact with a person who has travelled overseas recently or who is suffering from Covid-19; history of an occupation having contact with such infected persons – all these cases need to be referred and reported for further investigations at Govt. notified centres.
5. Since fever (90%) is the commonest symptom, everyone entering the clinic may be screened with infrared thermometers wherever feasible; febrile patients may be referred for appropriate attention with proper listing of both patient and the staff.
6. Frequently used ophthalmic equipments like slit lamps, ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes, applanation prisms, contact gonioscopes, laser contact lenses, B-scan and ultrasound biomicroscope probes, computers keyboards etc. are to be decontaminated regularly.
7. Anyone who suspects that the symptoms and signs of Covid-19 are there even after 4 to 5 days must seek appropriate medical attention themselves; need for self-quarantine is also important as a precaution.
What to do in a case suffering from Covid-19 
1. For proven Covid-19 cases who need urgent ophthalmic care, a separate special examination room within a preferably isolated waiting area may be created manned with doctors and staff equipped with appropriate personal protective equipments which must include surgical gown, surgical gloves, N-95 masks with protective eyewear; All personnel coming in contact with the known infected case must be listed and later screened as per Govt. protocol.

Sourced from different publications by Government and authorities. For private circulation among members of Ophthalmological Society of West Bengal. Published by Dr. Subhasish Nag, Honorary Secretary of OSWB. 18.03.2020

1. Nagar Nigam - 1000 Gloves , 1000 Masks.
2. Central Jail - 800 Gloves , 500 masks.
3. Traffic Police  -800 Gloves , 500 masks; Sanitizers 15 Lts.
4. ACP south-Sanitizers- 15 lts , Gloves -200 , mask -100
5. Distribution of sanitizers & masks to our ophthalmologist colleagues.
6. 50 kits of raw materials to deprived persons.