PSNBM COVID GUIDE

CARE OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 NEWBORNS
Interim Guidelines
Version 4, September 25, 2020
Abbreviations HCW - healthcare worker
AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics LDH - serum lactic dehydrogenase
ABG - arterial blood gas MOM - mother’s own milk
AGP - aerosol generating procedures MV - mechanical ventilation
ALT - alanine aminotransferase NBS - newborn screen
AOG - age of gestation NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
ARDS - acute respiratory distress syndrome NIPPV - non-invasive positive pressure ventilation
AST - aspartate aminotransferase NPS - nasopharyngeal swab
CBC - complete blood count PCT - procalcitonin
CBG - capillary blood glucose PPE - personal protective equipment
CPAP - continuous positive airway pressure RCPH - Royal College of Pediatric Health
CRP - C Reactive protein ROP - retinopathy of prematurity
CT scan - computerized tomography RT-PCR - reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction
CXRAY - chest radiograph SIN - Italian Society of Neonatology
GGO - ground-glass opacity TPN - total parenteral nutrition
HEPA filter - High-efficiency particulate air filter WHO - World Health Organization
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................... 2
II. VIROLOGY.................................................................................... 3
III. TRANSMISSION ......................................................................... 6
IV. CHARACTERISTICS OF COVID-19 NEWBORNS...................... 9
V. GENERAL GUIDELINES..............................................................10
A. STABLE NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED
COVID-19 MOTHERS.......................................................................11
B. UNSTABLE NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED
COVID-19 MOTHERS ..................................................................... 15
C. SUSPECT/CONFIRMED OUTBORNS ....................................20
VI. COMPLICATIONS IN COVID-19 NEWBORNS .......................... 24
VII. DISCHARGE PLAN................................................................... 26
VIII. HOME CARE......................................................................... ...28
IX. INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL................................28
X. DISINFECTION.......................................................................... 33
XI. ETHICS IN CARE OF THE COVID-19 NEWBORNS...................35
XII. SUMMARY.................................................................................36
XIII. REFERENCES...........................................................................37
INTRODUCTION
COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus named ‘severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1
(SARS-CoV-2),’ wreaked havoc in about 215 countries since December 2019. Why ‘novel’? Because
it is just recently recognized among humans. While numbers refer more to the adults, so little is known
about its impact on the pregnant woman and her fetus/newborn. In fact, only about 2-5% of newborns
born to confirmed COVID-19 mothers have tested positive in the first 24-96 hours after birth.
This interim guidance purports to clear up the uncertainty about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the new-
born and delineate strategies in the care of newborns of suspect/confirmed COVID-19 mothers based
on review of guidelines, consensus, case series and articles on the COVID-19 newborn.
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
Table 1. Definition of the New COVID-19 Classification

Classification Definition2
Suspect 1. person with influenza-like illness. (ILI) with

a. no other etiology to explain clinical presenta-
(PUI mild, severe, critical) tion AND history of travel during the 14 days
prior to illness
b. contact to a confirmed or probable COVID-19
case in the two days prior to illness until the case
became negative upon repeat testing
2. person with severe acute respiratory infection
(SARI)
3. person with fever and respiratory signs and
symptoms with a co-morbidity or high-risk preg-
nancy
Probable Any of the following:

1. suspect case for whom testing for COVID-19
(PUI mild, severe, critical) is inconclusive
2. suspect case for whom testing done was
positive but inadequate (not done in an accredited
national, subnational or COVID laboratory confir-
matory center)
Confirmed Person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19

(Positive)
infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symp-
toms in an accredited national, subnational and
DOH certified laboratory testing center.
Table 2. DEFINITION of COVID-19 NEWBORN CLASSIFICATION3
> Newborn born to mother with a history of COVID-19 between 14

days before delivery and 28 days after delivery.
Suspected COVID-19 Newborn > Newborn directly exposed to positive cases (including family
members, caregivers, medical staff, and visitors); related to cluster
outbreak
> Newborn showing lymphocytopenia or typical chest imaging findings
Newborns with confirmed COVID-19 infection if one of the following

etiological criteria is met:
a) Respiratory tract or blood specimens tested RT-PCR are positive for
Confirmed COVID-19 Newborn SARS CoV-2 viral RNA;
b) Virus gene sequencing of the respiratory tract or blood specimens is
highly homologous to that of the known COVID-19 specimens
VIROLOGY OF SARS CoV-2
SARS‐CoV‐2 is an enveloped positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that enters its host cell by bind-
ing to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. It belongs to subgenus Sarbecovirus of the genus
Betacoronavirus, the same subgenus as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus and Middle
East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). as well as several bat coronaviruses), but in a different clade.4. The
Coronavirus Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses has labelled virus as
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).1
It possesses 88–96% sequence identity to three bat-derived SARS-like coronaviruses (bat-SL-CoV-

ZC45, bat-SLCoVZXC21, RaTG13) and to coronavirus strains isolated in pangolins - a scaly, ant-eating
mammal highly trafficked for its presumed medicinal virtues and clandestinely sold in live animal markets
as in Wuhan, China. The lineage giving rise to SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating unnoticed for decades
in bats (primary host) and pangolins (intermediate host). The occurrence of a third significant coronavirus
emergence in 17 years together with the high prevalence and virus diversity in bats implies that these
viruses are likely to cross species boundaries again.4-6. Like SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 is highly recom-
binant, but its lineage is not a recombinant of any viruses detected to date.6
Figure 1. The Coronavirus Sars-CoV 2 Lineage4
ORDER. Nidovirales
FAMILY. Coronaviridae
SUBFAMILY. Coronavirinae. Torovirinae
GENUS. Alpha. Beta. Gamma. Delta
HCoV-229E. SARS-CoV
MERS-CoV
SUBGENUS. Sarbecovirus
SARS-CoV 2
The host receptor for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry is the same as for SARS-CoV, the angiotensin-converting
enzyme 2 (ACE2). The cellular protease TMPRSS2 also appears important for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry
[9]. SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 through the receptor-binding gene region of its spike protein.
The maturity binding ability and function of ACE-2-receptors required by the virus to enter the cells are
lower in the newborn resulting in minimal injury.1 Furthermore, the cytokine storm that results in inflam-
mation and fluid build-up seen in the older population is not well developed with a higher T cell amount
and lower inflammatory factors, the latter seen in newborns.7 Newborns also have fetal hemoglobin
without beta chains rendering them less susceptible.8
It has a crown-like appearance under an electron microscope due to the presence of spike glycopro-
teins on the envelope. Virions are spherical, oval, or pleomorphic with diameters of approximately 60 to
140 nm. There are two types, namely, type L (accounting for 70 percent of the strains) and type S (ac-
counting for 30 percent). The former predominated during the early Wuhan epidemic, but accounted for
a lower proportion of strains outside of China.1,4
SARS‐ CoV‐2 has weak resistance, 56°C for 30 minutes, to 75% ethanol, chlorine‐containing disinfec-
tant, and peracetic acid which can inactivate it.9
COVID-19 was originally seen in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, causing an influenza-like illness
with pneumonia that rapidly evolved and proved fatal. The WHO reported its outbreak on December 31,
2019 and declared it as a global health emergency a month later. On March 11, 2020, the WHO Direc-
tor-General declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.1
TRANSMISSION
Although rare, newborns are infected with SARS-CoV-2 during childbirth or by exposure to sick
caregivers after delivery. This may be due to their immature immune systems and smaller airways
predisposing them to respiratory viral infections. 10
Airborne transmission:
Airborne transmission occurs when the virus is present in the droplet core. The virus can remain in the
air for several hours and spread to people within a distance of about one meter. 11-12
Particles less than 5 microns in diameter are more likely to bypass the anatomic obstacles of the upper
airway (such as nasal turbinates and the cilia) and travel directly to the mucous membranes of the distal
lower respiratory tract.
Recent studies underscored the need for extreme caution in performing aerosol-producing procedures
(such as positive pressure ventilation, endotracheal intubation, NIPPV, CPAP) or supportive treatments
(nebulization, open tracheal suctioning and cardiopulmonary resuscitation) The use of PPE level 3 or 4 in
a room that has negative pressure or HEPAfilter is mandatory. 13
Droplet transmission:
Droplet transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets during the postnatal period.
Respiratory droplets greater than 5 microns in diameter are recognized to be the major mode of trans-
mission of SARS-CoV-2 and are unlikely to travel more than one meter. They are likely to settle rapidly
due to gravitational pull within a 1-meter radius of the index person.
A susceptible person who is not wearing personal protective equipment and is within this distance (close
contact) is at risk of becoming infected. During the neonatal period, the newborns are exposed to
mothers, other caregivers, visitors, or healthcare personnel with COVID-19 who are coughing, sneezing,
and talking.10,14-16
The newborn carries the risk of having his oral and nasal mucosa and conjunctiva contaminated with
infective respiratory droplets especially from his mother.1
Contact transmission:
Transmission likewise occurs through ‘fomites’ in the immediate environment around the infected moth-
er.11
As such, transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 occurs either by direct contact with the infected mother or
indirect contact with surfaces in immediate environment or with objects used on the infected person.11
Oral-fecal transmission:
While non-respiratory specimens like the stool, blood, ocular secretions, and semen were implicated, the
role of these sites in transmission is uncertain. Fecal-oral transmission was not a significant factor in
the spread of infection.16 However, a number of case series of Wuhan examined anal swabs, which if
negative, was one of the bases for hospital discharge.16-17
Breastmilk transmission:
Based on current literature on COVID19, breastmilk is not considered a ‘transmission vehicle.’. The
present SARS-CoV-2 pandemic requires the promotion of breastfeeding with proper health and hygiene
approach. With breastfeeding, there is a need to limit the contagion by air and by contact with the respi-
ratory secretions of infected mothers who should be wearing face mask at all times and be observing
hand hygiene before and after each feeding.6,16
Vertical transmission:
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from an infected mother to her fetus or newborn before, during or immedi-
ately after delivery is documented by positive RT-PCR test of the amniotic fluid, cord blood, placenta,
vaginal secretions, gastric fluid and anal swab as well as early-onset of manifestations of fever, respirato-
ry distress and poor feeding. 9. However, these were not documented. The study of Schwartz with 38
COVID-19 pregnant women from China showed no SARS-CoV-2 detected in amniotic fluid, breastmilk,
or umbilical cord blood samples tested. In another report describing clinical outcomes in 10 neonates
born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, some babies developed symptoms of dyspnea (6),
cyanosis (3), gastric bleeding(2), multiple organ failure (1) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (1).
However, the throat swabs of those infants were negative for SARS-CoV-2, ruling out intrauterine
transmission of SARS-CoV-2.1,11, 16-20
While Dong reported the presence of elevated antibody levels and abnormal cytokine levels in the new-
born of a COVID -19 mother, Kimberlin and Stagno, in an editorial, refuted claims of intrauterine trans-
mission based on antibody levels, pointing out that IgM assays are prone to false positive and false
negative results, along with cross-reactivity and testing challenges.21
Figure 2. Modes of Transmission of COVID-19
Therefore, the current recognized modes of transmission are airborne, droplet and contact transmission.
(Figure 2). The newborns are susceptible to person-to-person horizontal transmission post-delivery
through close contact with respiratory secretions from an infected symptomatic/asymptomatic caregiver
(including mother) & HCW.
The risk of transmission from a person with SARS-CoV-2 infection varies by the type and duration of
exposure, use of preventive measures, and likely individual factors (for example, viral load in respiratory
secretions).
SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted even before the development of symptoms and throughout the course
of illness. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 may occur from the asymptomatic individuals (or individuals still
within the incubation period of 14 days) in about 6 percent of cases. The exposures occur mostly one to
three days prior to the development of symptoms.1, 4-5
Based on current evidence, persons with mild to moderate COVID-19 may shed replication-competent
SARS-CoV-2 for up to 10 days following symptom onset, while a small fraction of persons with severe
COVID-19, including immunocompromised persons, may shed replication-competent virus for up to 20
days. Nonetheless, detection of viral RNA does not necessarily mean that infectious virus is present.
The incubation period for COVID-19 is thought to be 2 to14 days, with a median time of 4-5 days from
exposure to symptoms onset.22
From Outbreak to Pandemic
The beginning of the outbreak is traced back to an initial association with a seafood market in Wuhan,
China that sold live exotic animals, where several patients had worked or visited - animal to human
transmission. However, as the outbreak rapidly evolved to a pandemic, person-to-person spread be-
came the main mode of transmission. As of September 26, 2020, SARS CoV-2 has wreaked havoc in
215 countries and territories with a steady rise in 73 countries reaching approximately 32.5M cases. The
Philippines, presently ranked number 21, reached a total of about 301,000 cases.23 In Europe, the new-
born comprises less than seven percent of the COVID-19 population.24
The most up-to-date source for the epidemiology of this pandemic can be found at the following
sources:
• The WHO Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation Board.
• The Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering site for Coronavirus Global Cases
COVID-19, which uses openly public sources to track the spread of the epidemic.
Table 3. Total number of COVID-19 Positive Newborns in the Philippines

( August 24, 2020)
REGION TOTAL PERCENT(%)
I 1 0.56
2 0 0.00
3 5 2.79
4A 14 7.82
4B 0 0.00
5 0 0.00
6 0 0.00
7 13 7.26
8 1 0.56
9 3 1.68
10 0 0.00
11 1 0.56
12 0 0.00
BARMM 0 0.00
CAR 2 1.12
Caraga 0 0.00
NCR 139 77.65
TOTAL 179 100
REFERENCE: Department of Health, August 24, 2020
Of 929 infants less than one year old reported by the Department of Health last August 24, 179 (19%)
are less than one month old. Positive COVID-19 newborns are only 0.08% of confirmed cases in the
Philippines. Regions with highest number of COVID-19 newborns are NCR, Regions 4A and 7. (See Ta-
ble 3
CHARACTERISTICS OF NEWBORNS OF
SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 MOTHERS
Adverse infant outcomes, such as prematurity, have been reported among infants born to COVID-19
positive women during pregnancy. In the studies of Breslin, Chen H, Dong , Zeng and Zhu, 15.5 percent
are preterm.21, 25-28
The systematic review of di Mascio 29 and colleagues on 41 COVID-19 positive pregnant patients identi-
fied the rates of sequelae, in decreasing order:
• preterm birth <37 weeks (41.1 percent),
• preterm premature rupture of membranes (18.8 percent),
• preeclampsia (13.6 percent), and
• cesarean delivery (9.1 percent);
For the baby:
• admission to a neonatal ICU (10 percent),
• stillbirth (2.4 percent), and
• neonatal death (2.4 percent).
Update on his systematic review of 19 studies on MERS, SARS and COVID-19 showed that despite the
low mortality, a main concern is the development of ARDS requiring invasive ventilation, the ‘clinical
epiphenomenon’ of the viral pneumonia. 29
Zhu28 pointed out the perinatal impact of COVID-19 on the fetus and newborn, as follows:
• premature labor
• fetal distress
• respiratory distress
Among the studied 47 COVID-19 positive newborns of Wuhan, Zhu28 reported one mortality (2.1 per-
cent) due to multi-organ failure. There was no death among the New York City newborns studied.
CLINICAL FEATURES OF NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 MOTHERS
The Chinese Perinatal-Neonatal 2019-nCoV Committee reviewed the clinical features of newborns of
Suspect/Confirmed COVID-19 mothers and their infants. The newborns may be asymptomatic3,9 mild,
or severe, 8-10,19,28,30-35. As in Figure 3, they may present with insidious and non-specific symptoms as
lethargy and dehydration. In a review of 11 studies including 25 newborns, Liguoro et al31 pointed out
that 20% of newborns were asymptomatic, 48% had mild and 20% had moderate signs of clinical in-
fection. However, about 12% was severely ill. Dyspnea (40%) was the most common sign. The majority
has favorable outcome. The onset of symptoms occurred as early as Day1 and as late as Day14. 19,28,30.
Figure 3. Clinical features of COVID-19 newborn

The clinical findings, especially of premature infants, were not specific.19,27-28,30-35. They were as follows:
1. Respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms: dyspnea, tachypnea, grunting, nasal flaring, increased
work of breathing, apnea, cough, or tachycardia.
2. Temperature instability: fever, hypothermia or normal temperature.
3. Others: poor feeding or ‘milk refusal’, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal distention.
However, a few develop critical illness like respiratory failure, septic shock and even multi-organ failure.
34
LABORATORY FEATURES OF NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 MOTHERS
Laboratory examinations were also non-specific. Liguoro 31 described the laboratory findings: unre-
markable complete blood count with less than one fifth (17.1%) showing leucopenia and lympho- or
neutropenia (13.3%). elevated inflammatory indexes such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin
(PCT) in 31.1% of cases, altered creatine kinase (CPK) and liver enzymes, as shown in 14.5% and 12.4%
of all patients, respectively.
2019-nCoV can be detected in the upper respiratory tract (URT; nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal), the
lower respiratory tract (LRT; endotracheal aspirate, or bronchoalveolar lavage), the blood and the stool.
19,27-28,30-35. All nasopharyngeal and anal swabs in the symptomatic newborns of Zhu 28 tested negative
for COVID-19 but the authors could not discount the possibility of false negative results.
The reports of Breslin and Salvatore on New York City hospitals showed negative COVID-19 tests for all
18 neonates and 120 neonates of COVID-19 mothers, respectively.25,36. Only about 2-5% of newborns
born to confirmed COVID-19 mothers have tested positive in the first 24-96 hours after birth38.
RADIOLOGIC FINDINGS OF NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 MOTHERS
Chest radiograph/ultrasound revealed pneumonia in about half of cases reviewed by Liguoro. Abdominal
films may demonstrate intestinal ileus. 28 Those who developed respiratory distress had chest radi-
ograph showing pneumonia and ground-glass opacities (GGO).19,27-28,30-35. The ten neonates reported by
Zhu were all symptomatic with significant chest findings initially blurred, granular patchy lesions then
ground-glass opacities. 28
GENERAL GUIDELINES ON THE CARE OF THE INBORN

OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED MOTHER
DELIVERY OF NEWBORN OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED MOTHER
Shared decision-making prior to Delivery
Several factors including setting of maternal care, severity of maternal infection, colocation versus tem-
porary separation and availability of hospital resources (rooms, PPE and HCW) should be discussed in
the antenatal counseling or birth plan during the COVID-19 pandemic. This should also include direct
breastfeeding and provision of MOM or pasteurized donor milk including the nutritional, immunological,
and developmental advantages (emotional boding) of breastfeeding, and the risk of COVID-19 infection
to the newborn and HCW38-40.
The risks and benefits of skin-to-skin care, kangaroo mother care and separation, as well as the
risks of exposure to both the neonate and to HCW should be thoroughly discussed with the moth-
er/family members before delivery 18,40
For all HCW who come in contact with COVID-19 women and infants who are both asymptomatic,
droplet and contact precautions should be observed. 10,14
Table 4. Delivery room management for newborns born to mothers

with suspect/confirmed COVID-1919,30,38-40
Mother Suspect, Probable Confirmed
Site of delivery Deliver in hospital; preferably in negative pressure delivery room
OB notify Neo At least 30 min prior to delivery. After delivery, transport in a closed incubator
Admission of the neonate - Admit to isolation room COVID-19 - Rooming-in area for mother-baby
newborn if maternal testing positive for dyad. Discharge healthy newborn
SHARED DECISION treatment of mother unless mother opted with caregiver designated by
colocation mother while mother is undergo-
- Room-in/discharge with mother if ma- ing treatment.
ternal testing negative - If mother opts for separation, ad-
- NICU Isolation for infant requiring addi- mit to Isolation Room for
tional intensive care. COVID-19 infants
- NICU Isolation for infant requiring
additional ICU care.
Duration of neonatal ob- At least 14 days from time of birth unless At least 14 days from time of birth.
servation maternal infection is ruled out
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
1. COVID-19 RT-PCR10,41
This is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for the qualitative detec-
tion of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in upper and lower respiratory specimens (such as nasal, na-
sopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, sputum, lower respiratory tract aspirates, bronchoalveolar
lavage, and nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate or nasal aspirate)
RT-PCR test is recommended for all neonates born to mothers with suspect or confirmed COVID-19,
regardless of whether there are signs of infection in the neonate22. If tests are available, perform the
testing of the suspect COVID-19 infant at 24 hours of life and preferably repeat at 48 hours of life. 10,41
Should the baby not be tested, the waiting period is 14 days from birth or seven days from the time of
symptoms. Poupolo underscored the need to treat babies not tested as positive for the duration of 14-
day observation.10
2, Serologic test to qualitatively identify immunoglobulin IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-
CoV-221
This confirms the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies reflecting a protective immune response. This will
be a good serologic screening tool to determine population immunity and to distinguish individuals who
are at lower risk for reinfection. Positive results for both IgG and IgM could occur after infection and can
be an indication of recent infection.
STABLE SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 INBORNS
Suspect or confirmed COVID-19 mothers can room-in with their newborns when appropriate precau-
tions (respiratory and hand hygiene) are taken to protect their infants from infectious respiratory secre-
tions 38-39,42-43
1. ISOLATION ROOM
The Suspect/Confirmed COVID-19 dyad is best admitted in an Isolation Room with negative pressure
or in a room with exhaust fan driving air away from the room. HEPAfilter may be in place. The mother
and baby should be positioned 1 meter apart. Should the mother opt for temporary separation, they
may be admitted to separate Isolation Rooms.38-39,42-43
2. COLOCATION VERSUS TEMPORARY ISOLATION
During early months of COVID-19, little was known about the transmission and infectivity of this novel
virus, thus, the initial recommendation of China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Canada and the United
States was temporary separation of the Confirmed and Suspect COVID-19 mother and her baby until
the release of the COVID-19 test of the infant to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus that causes
COVID-19 from the mother to the newborn and HCW. 3,10-11,40,44 Once with concordant results, the moth-
er-baby dyad may room-in.
However, rooming-in or colocation of the mother-baby dyad not requiring additional care in the immedi-
ate postpartum period was and still is recommended by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM),
the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (RCOG) and Royal College of Pediatric Healthcare
RCPH) of the United Kingdom (UK), WHO and the UNICEF. They opined that precautionary separation of
a stable mother and her healthy baby should not be taken lightly, given the possible detrimental effects
on breastfeeding. 18,39,42,45-47
The AAP48 now recommends rooming-in with direct breastfeeding. After months of national and in-
ternational experience with newborns born to mothers who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, no
published report has identified an infant who has died during the initial birth hospitalization as a di-
rect result of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Among the over 1,500 mother-infant dyads in the National Registry for Surveillance and Epidemiology,
the likelihood that an infant has a positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 is similar for infants who are
separated from their mothers and for infants who room-in with mothers using infection prevention
measures. Based on these two months experience since April 2, 2020, AAP updated its interim guid-
ance on care of the infant of the COVID-19 mother, as follows:
1. Suspect or confirmed COVID-19 mothers can NOW room-in with their newborns when precautions
are taken to protect the infants from their infectious respiratory secretions, (from the previous tempo-
rary separation)
2. The NICU Visitor recommendations have been updated
An observational study36. in four Presbyterian hospitals in New York City, New York Presbyterian—Ko-
mansky Children's Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian—Lower Manhattan Hospital,
and New York Presbyterian—Queens in New York City on 120 neonates born to COVID-19 positive
mothers done between March 22 and May 17, 2020 showed that among the 120 neonates delivered
from 116 COVID -19 positive mothers, all neonates tested at 24 h of life were negative for SARS-CoV-2.
82 (68%) neonates completed follow-up at day 5–7 of life and were asymptomatic.
Conclusion:
a. Perinatal transmission is unlikely to occur with appropriate hygiene precautions.
b. Rooming-in and breastfeeding are safe procedures when paired with effective parental education
of infant protective strategies.
India (NNF)49. presented two scenarios:
First, should resources for isolation of normal, suspected to be infected and infected mothers be un-
available OR healthcare facilities are inadequate OR community spread is evident, the healthy neonate
may be roomed-in with mother with appropriate respiratory and hand hygiene
Second, should the opposite occur, that is, resources for isolation of normal, suspected to be infected
and infected mothers are available AND community spread is not present, the newborn can be tem-
porarily separated from the mother, should be cared for by a non-infected family member, and should
be given expressed MOM.
The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the United Kingdom, Italian Society of
Neonatology (SIN) endorsed by the Union of European Neonatal & Perinatal Societies WHO, UNICEF,
DOH and now AAP recommend non-separation or colocation of stable mothers and their healthy
infants with direct breastfeeding with strict measures of infection prevention and control.
18,38-39,42,45-48
The SIN42-43 elaborated on these IPC measures, as follows:
• Physical distancing of at least 1 meter which is strongly associated with protection, but distances of up
to 2 meters might be more effective.
• Optimum use of face masks, in particular N95 or similar respirators in health-care settings and 12–16-
layer cotton or surgical masks in the community, depending on contextual factors.
• Eye protection with added benefits.
Most hospitals in the Philippines lack adequate facilities such as single negative pressure rooms, HCW
and PPE. The stable newborn is best roomed-in with the mother in a COVID Isolation Room, The stable
mother can breastfeed her baby with strict compliance to droplet and contact precautions.. But when the
mother is unstable, she can be assisted to express her own breastmilk for her baby, with appropriate
precautions.39
3. BREASTFEEDING
Breastmilk is the elixir of life.
Separation of the mother and baby causes maternal stress, infant stress, stress in the family, decreased
breastfeeding success, and postnatal infection from the family members/community, burden on the
health system.
The SIN, RCOG and RCPH of the United Kingdom, AAP, DOH, WHO and Unicef promote breastfeeding
in a rooming-in regimen, under strict measures of infection control of an asymptomatic and paucisymp-
tomatic COVID-19 positive mother. 18,38-39,42,45-48
Breastfeeding should be encouraged, especially since its benefits outweigh the risks of COVID-19.
As shown in Table 5, the recommendations for the stable newborn of a stable Suspect/Confirmed COVID
mother are:
1. Shared decision between the mother/family and the clinical team
2. Standard of care: Immediate thorough drying
Skin-to-skin contact
Delayed cord clamping
Colocation (Rooming-in) or Temporary Separation depending on Shared Decision
with appropriate wearing of PPE including respiratory/hand hygiene and physical distancing of 1 m.
3. Breastfeeding with utmost respiratory and hand hygiene..
4. BCG & Hepatitis B vaccine
4. RT-PCR at 24hrs of life
5. Screen for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) by pulse oximeter
6. Newborn screen after 24 hours or before discharge
7. Hearing screen prior to discharge
8. Early discharge with stable mother or caregiver designated by the mother (when mother is continuing treat-
ment)
Table 5. Protocol of Stable Inborn of Suspect/Confirmed COVID-19 Mother38-39

ACCOMMODATION Room type: Isolation room for mother-baby dyad ideally with negative
pressure or HEPAfilter or separate isolation rooms for mother and baby
DIAGNOSIS and MONITORING RT-PCR at 24 hours and, ideally repeat at 48 hours.
Monitor for fever, cough/respiratory distress, diarrhea/vomiting
GENERAL THERAPEUTICS • Standard care: With strict appropriate precautions (PPE, double gloves,
face mask preferably N95, goggles. face shield) including respiratory and
hand hygiene
Immediate thorough drying

Colocation (Rooming-in) or Temporary Separation

depending on Shared Decision between Mother and Clinician
• Breastfeed with appropriate respiratory and hand hygiene. If mother opted
temporary separation, may give mother’s own milk (MOM) or pasteurized
donor milk.
• Screen for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) by pulse oximeter
• Newborn screen after 24 hours before discharge
• Hearing screen prior to discharge
MEDICATIONS • Vitamin K 1mg IM
• Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment

• BCG and Hepatitis B prior to discharge

UNSTABLE COVID-19 NEWBORNS REQUIRING NICU CARE
1. NICU ENVIRONMENT
The NICU Isolation Room should preferably have negative pressure. If not, the infant should be placed
inside an incubator. If there is no single room, the infant should be in a cohort with other infants but
should be 1 meter distanced from the rest.10,40,44
2. ISOLATION ROOM
The newborn, who requires additional care such as respiratory support or continuous monitoring,
should be admitted to the NICU Isolation Room specifically dedicated to the COVID-19 with trained
HCW wearing PPE. Since aerosol-producing procedures are done in the NICU with the admitted infant
needing respiratory support, airborne, contact and droplet precautions should be in place. The HCW
should wear the appropriate attire - gown, gloves, N95 respiratory mask with eye protection, or air-puri-
fying respirator (powered air-purifying respirator [PAPR] or controlled air-purifying respirator [CAPR], both
of which provide eye protection). Staff taking care of the baby should be tested for SARS-CoV-2 every
two to three weeks.10
Should a COVID-19 mother or her baby be too sick to care, the neonate will be managed separately
and fed expressed breast milk (MOM) without need to pasteurize it, as human milk is not believed to
be a vehicle of COVID-19.42-43 One dedicated breast-pump and one healthcare worker per shift for
COVID-19 NICU should be available..10,42-43
3. AIRWAY MANAGEMENT
Aerosol-producing operations are essential in the management of newborns in respiratory distress;

namely, bag mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, tracheal suctioning, cardiorespiratory resuscita-
tion, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or nasal cannula oxygen at a flow ≥2LPM/kilo-
gram.10
All these procedures require the preparation 10 of the following:
a. Negative pressure room that is well-ventilated, If none, a room in which a room exhaust is filtered
through high‐efficiency particulate air filters may do.
b. Personnel protective equipment (PPE) which include triple layer mask/N95 respirator and face shield
for respiratory precautions, goggles to protect the eyes, double gloves and long-sleeved protective
suits to block body fluids
c. Bag mask devices with viral filters
d. Minimal number of medical/nursing staff (two for high risk, one for normal)
The revised Neonatal Resuscitation of Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine (NRPhplus 2020) is
adapted with utmost airborne, droplet and contact precautions.
Furthermore, Terheggen13. suggested the following measures of managing AGPs:
a. Consider early intubation to avoid crash intubation.
b.. Have a low threshold for intubation to minimize the risk of aerosol spread during NIV.
c. Consider using cuffed endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes to avoid aerosol spread by air leak.
d. Have the most experienced person handle the airway.
e. If available, use video-laryngoscopy
f. Reduce the amount of hand-bagging as much as possible.
g. Avoid open suctioning after intubation; use closed suction circuits instead.
h. Discard all not-for-single-use airway management equipment in plastic bags for decontamination.
i. Place newborn in a closed incubator for transport and admission in NICU. If not available, place in a
bassinet
4. CLASSIFICATION OF SYMPTOMATIC COVID-19 CASES BASED ON SYMPTOMS (Table 6)
Illness can range from mild to moderate with mild symptoms up to mild pneumonia (81%), severe with
dyspnea, hypoxia, or >50% lung involvement on imaging) (14%) and critical with critical with respiratory
failure, shock, or multiorgan system dysfunction (5%)
Terheggen and Wang described the signs and symptoms to identify suspected COVID-19 newborns, as
follows:
a. Newborn isolated at the referring hospital for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 especially:
1). Newborns who have had contact with suspect or confirmed COVID-19 patients at home or in
hospital within the last 14 days
2). Newborn of mothers with suspect or confirmed COVID-19
b. A newborn needing hospital admission AND showing any of the following symptoms:
1). Respiratory distress (tachypnea, difficulty of breathing)
2). Nasal discharge/congestion
3). Cough
4). Fever
c. A newborn needing hospital admission for an unexplained multi-system inflammatory condition (per-
sistent fever, raised inflammatory markers and cardiac involvement) fitting the case description from the
CDC, WHO and/or UK RCOG and RCPH
Table 6. Classification of Symptoms.3,35,38-39

CLASS DEFINITION
Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract viral infection, including mild
fever, cough (dry), nasal congestion, poor suck.
MILD Non-pneumonia. If with pneumonia, not oxygen requiring
Hook to pulse oximeter.
Respiratory symptoms such as cough and dyspnea (or tachypnea with

MODERATE RR >60bpm)
02 Sat 90-94% at room air
1. Fever associated with severe dyspnea, respiratory distress,

tachypnea (>60bpm) and hypoxia (cyanosis, SpO2 < 90% on room
air).
2. Heart rate> 160 beats/min or <100 beats/min, obvious arrhythmia
3. Blood gas analysis: PaO2 < 60 mmHg, PaCO2 > 50 mmHg.
4. CNS: irritability, lethargy, coma, convulsion, etc.
SEVERE
5. Poor feeding and even dehydration
6. Others: coagulation disorders (prolonged PT and elevated level of
D-dimer, FDP), myocardial damage (increased level of myocardial
enzyme, ECG ST-T changes, cardiomegaly and cardiac insufficiency),
GI dysfunction, elevated liver enzyme and rhabdomyolysis
1. Respiratory failure
CRITICAL 2. Septic shock
3. Multi-organ failure
Table 7. Protocol of Unstable Inborn (Mild).3,18-19,38-39
ACCOMMODATION Room type: NICU preferably with hepafilter. If not available, place inside incubator
DIAGNOSIS and Within 6-12 hours

MONITORING Arterial blood gas, if available
Complete blood count
Blood culture, if available
Chest radiograph
Hook to pulse oximeter
Monitor for progression of respiratory distress
RT-PCR at 24 hours
If premature, monitor co-morbid conditions like PDA and PPHN with 2D echocardiography.
GENERAL • Standard care: With strict appropriate precautions (PPE, double gloves, face mask
THERAPEUTICS preferably N95, goggles face shield). Respiratory and hand hygiene
• Insert IV line and rehydrate as needed

• May give mother’s own milk (MOM) or pasteurized donor milk, if tolerate enteral feeding
• Newborn screen after 24 hours/before discharge
• Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment

• Ampicillin and Gentamicin, if consider bacterial pneumonia/sepsis. May give appropriate
antimicrobial for bacterial pneumonia/sepsis based on culture, chest radiograph or
antibiogram of facility
Table 8. Protocol of Unstable Inborn (Moderate to Severe)3,18-19,22,38
MODERATE SEVERE
ACCOMMODATION Room type: COVID NICU preferably with HEPAfilter. Room type: COVID NICU ideally with negative
If not pressure or HEPAfilter. If not available, place inside
available, place inside incubator incubator
DIAGNOSIS and Within 6-12 hours Within 6-12 hours

MONITORING Arterial blood gas, if available Arterial blood gas, if available
Complete blood count Complete blood count
Blood culture, if available Blood culture, if available
Chest radiograph Chest radiograph
Hook to pulse oximeter Hook to cardiac monitor with pulse oximeter
Monitor for progression of respiratory distress Monitor for progression of respiratory distress and
RT-PCR at 24 hours onset of other symptoms . The following laboratory
If premature, monitor co-morbid conditions like PDA examinations may be done, if available:
and PPHN with 2D echocardiography, if available 1. CRP/Procalcitonin , which, if increased,
usually indicates bacterial infection
2. Serum electrolytes
3. Glucose monitoring, if on NPO
4. Liver function test (liver enzymes, protime,
serum albumin)
5. BUN/Creatinine
6. Muscle enzymes, D-dimer, LDH, serum ferritin
RT-PCR at 24 hours
If premature, monitor co-morbid conditions like PDA
and PPHN with 2D echocardiography.
GENERAL • Standard care: With strict appropriate precautions • Standard care: With strict appropriate precautions
THERAPEUTICS (PPE, double gloves, face mask preferably N95, (PPE, double gloves, face mask preferably N95,
goggles face shield) goggles face shield)
Immediate thorough drying Immediate thorough drying

Skin-to-skin contact, if feasible
• Intubate and hook to ventilator

• Oxygen therapy via nasal cannula or nasal CPAP
• Start total parenteral solution, as needed. once
• May give mother’s own milk (MOM) or pasteurized tolerate, start enteral feed with mother’s own milk
donor milk, if tolerate enteral feeding (MOM) or pasteurized donor milk
• Newborn screen after 24 hours before discharge • Newborn screen after 24 hours before discharge
• Hearing screen prior to discharge • Hearing screen prior to discharge
MEDICATIONS • Vitamin K 1mg IM • Vitamin K 1mg IM
• Surfactant, if preterm with moderate to severe • Surfactant, if preterm with respiratory distress
respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) syndrome (RDS)
• Ampicillin 100 mg/k/day and Gentamicin 5mg/k/ • Appropriate antimicrobial for bacterial pneumonia/
day, if consider bacterial pneumonia/sepsis sepsis based on culture, chest radiograph or
antibiogram of facility
• Inotropic support as warranted.

Table 9. Protocol of Unstable Inborn (Critical)3,6,18-19,22,38
Room type: NICU preferably with hepafilter. If not available, place inside incubator
ACCOMMODATION
DIAGNOSIS and Place inside incubator not radiant warmer

MONITORING Hook to cardiac monitor with pulse oximeter
Arterial blood gas, if available
Chest radiograph/ chest CT/ultrasound
RT-PCR at 24 hours of life
Monitor for progression of respiratory distress and onset of complications . The following laboratory
examinations, if available, are recommended
1. CRP/Procalcitonin , which, if increased, usually indicates bacterial infection
4. Liver function test (liver enzymes, protime, serum albumin)
5. BUN/Creatinine
2D echocardiography to rule out persistent pulmonary hypertension, if available
GENERAL • Standard care: With strict appropriate precautions (PPE, double gloves, face mask preferably N95,
THERAPEUTICS goggles face shield)

1. Respiratory • Intubate and hook to ventilator. Repeat blood gas daily for first five days
Failure requiring • Insert IV line and rehydrate as needed
ventilatory
• Start total parenteral solution, as needed.
support
• If premature, monitor underlying conditions like PDA and PPHN
2. Septic shock - If with ARDS, need to
* restrict fluid, maintaining negative fluid balance
3. Multi-organ failure * hook to conventional mechanical ventilator, if no response, hook to HFOV
- Fluid resuscitation with crystalloids (PNSS) or colloids as needed
- Component transfusions
- Peritoneal dialysis, if available
- Last resort: ECMO
MEDICATIONS - If preterm with moderate to severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). administer surfactant. Treat
underlying conditions like PDA with Paracetamol
1. Respiratory - If with ARDS, need to
Failure requiring * administer high-dose surfactant (every 6-8 hrs)
ventilatory - Appropriate antimicrobial based on culture, radiograph & antibiogram
- Gammaglobulin 1g per kg for two days or 400mg/k/day for 5 days
support - Vitamin K
2. Septic shock - Start inotropes
As shown in Tables 7-9, the recommendations for the unstable newborn of a Suspected/Confirmed COVID
mother are:
1. Shared decision between the mother/family and the clinical team
2. Standard of care: Immediate thorough drying
3. Counselling of mother re: Admission of her newborn to COVID NICU for additional care (respiratory sup-
port, intravenous fluids and medication and close monitoring)
4. Laboratory examinations, as warranted
a. ABG
b. CBC platelet
c. blood culture
d. chest radiograph/CT scan
e. CBG monitoring while on NPO
f. CRP/Procalcitonin , which, if increased, usually indicates bacterial infection
g. Serum electrolytes
h. Liver function test (ALT,AST, prothrombin time, serum albumin)
i. BUN/Creatinine
j. Muscle enzymes, D-dimer, LDH, serum ferritin
k. 2D-echocardiography
5. Enteral feeding of the baby with mother’s expressed milk. If not tolerated, give total parenteral nutrition.
(TPN)
7. RT-PCR at 24hrs of life

8. Fluid resuscitation with crystalloids (PNSS) or colloids, as needed
9. Oxygen support via nasal cannula, CPAP or mechanical ventilator
10. Surfactant for RDS or ARDS
11. Appropriate antimicrobial based on culture, radiograph & antibiogram of the facility
12. Gammaglobulin 1g per kg for two days or 400mg/k/day for 5 days
13. Vitamin K
14. Inotropic support
18. ROP screen for the premature < 35 weeks
18. For critical cases, last resort: continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
THE SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 OUTBORN
The suspect/confirmed COVID-19 outborn with mild illness should be isolated to contain virus trans-
mission according to the established national COVID-19 care pathway. This can be done at a des-
ignated COVID-19 health facility, community facility or at home (self-isolation) with the mother.
However, these facilities lack doctors to monitor the babies. The newborn is best brought to the Emer-
gency Room for proper assessment and possible admission.. He should be given symptomatic treat-
ment, advised adequate nutrition - breastfeeding and given appropriate rehydration.
Should he have poor suck and activity, vomiting and diarrhea, he is best admitted and observed further.
Table 10. Protocol of Suspect/Confirmed Outborn (Mild)3,18-19,22,38-39
ACCOMMODATION Room type: COVID WARD preferably with hepafilter. If not available, place inside
incubator
DIAGNOSIS and RT-PCR upon admission of suspect COVID Newborn (>24hrs of life)
MONITORING Arterial blood gas, if available
Chest radiograph
Hook to pulse oximeter
Monitor for progression of respiratory distress
GENERAL • Insert IV line and rehydrate as needed

THERAPEUTICS
• May give mother’s own milk (MOM) or pasteurized donor milk, if tolerate enteral
feeding
• Newborn screen, if not yet done

• Ampicillin 100 mg/k/day and Gentamicin 5mg/k/day, if consider bacterial pneumonia/
sepsis. May give appropriate antimicrobial for bacterial pneumonia/sepsis based on
culture, chest radiograph or antibiogram of facility
• BCG and Hepatitis B, if not yet given
Table 11. Protocol of Suspect/Confirmed Outborn (Moderate to Severe)3,6,18-19,22,38
MODERATE SEVERE
ACCOMMODATION Room type: COVID NICU ideally with negative
Room type: COVID NICU preferably with
pressure or HEPAfilter. If not available, place
HEPAfilter. If not available, place inside incubator
inside incubator
DIAGNOSIS and RT-PCR upon admission of suspect COVID RT-PCR upon admission of suspect COVID
MONITORING Newborn (>24hrs of life) Newborn (>24hrs of life)
Arterial blood gas, if available Arterial blood gas, if available
Complete blood count Complete blood count
Blood culture, if available Blood culture, if available
Chest radiograph Chest radiograph
Hook to pulse oximeter Hook to cardiac monitor with pulse oximeter
Monitor for progression of respiratory distress Monitor for progression of respiratory distress
and onset of complications and onset of other symptoms . The following
Monitor blood sugar while on NPO laboratory examinations may be done, if
Get baseline serum electrolytes, if feasible available:
If premature, monitor co-morbid conditions like 1. CRP/Procalcitonin , which, if increased,
PDA and PPHN with 2D echocardiography, if usually indicates bacterial infection
available 2. Serum electrolytes
4. Liver function test (liver enzymes, protime,
serum albumin)
5. BUN/Creatinine
6. Muscle enzymes, D-dimer, LDH, serum
ferritin
If premature, monitor co-morbid conditions like
PDA and PPHN with 2D echocardiography.
GENERAL • Oxygen therapy via nasal cannula or nasal • Intubate and hook to ventilator
THERAPEUTICS CPAP
• May give mother’s own milk (MOM) or Once tolerate, start enteral feed with mother’s
pasteurized donor milk, if tolerate enteral own milk (MOM) or pasteurized donor milk
feeding
• Newborn screen after 24 hours/before
• Newborn screen after 24 hours/before discharge
discharge
MEDICATIONS • Surfactant, if preterm with moderate to severe • Surfactant, if preterm with moderate to severe
respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
• Appropriate antimicrobial, as needed. • Appropriate antimicrobial for bacterial
Ampicillin and Gentamicin, if consider bacterial pneumonia/sepsis depending on culture, chest
pneumonia radiograph or antibiogram of facility
• Inotropic support as warranted. • Inotropic support as warranted.
• Vitamin K 1mg IM while on antibiotics • Vitamin K 1mg IM while on antibiotics

• BCG and Hepatitis B prior to discharge • BCG and Hepatitis B prior to discharge
Table 12. Protocol of Suspect/Confirmed Outborn (Critical)3,6,18-19,22,38
ACCOMMODATION Room type: NICU preferably with hepafilter. If not available, place inside incubator
DIAGNOSIS and RT-PCR upon admission of suspect COVID Newborn (>24hrs of life)
MONITORING Place inside incubator not radiant warmer
Hook to cardiac monitor with pulse oximeter
Arterial blood gas, if available
Chest radiograph/ chest CT/ultrasound
2D echocardiography to rule out persistent pulmonary hypertension, if available
Monitor for progression of respiratory distress and onset of complications . The

following laboratory examinations, if available, are recommended
1. CRP/Procalcitonin , which, if increased, usually indicates bacterial infection
4. Liver function test (liver enzymes, protime, serum albumin)
5. BUN/Creatinine
GENERAL • Intubate using acrylic box then hook to ventilator. Add viral filter in the ambubag. Place
THERAPEUTICS HEPAfilter in expiratory limb of the ventilator.
• Repeat blood gas daily for first five days
1. Respiratory
Failure • If premature, monitor underlying conditions like PDA and PPHN
- If with ARDS, need to
* restrict fluid, maintaining negative fluid balance
2. Septic shock * hook to conventional mechanical ventilator, if no response, hook to HFOV
- Resuscitate with crystalloids (PNSS) or colloids as needed
- Give albumin if hypoalbuminemic. Hold if with AKI
- Transfuse Packed RBC, fresh frozen p,asma, cryoprecipitate, platelet concentrate as
indicated
- Peritoneal dialysis, if available
- Last resort: ECMO
MEDICATIONS - If preterm with moderate to severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). administer
1. Respiratory surfactant. Treat underlying conditions like PDA with Paracetamol
Failure - If with ARDS, need to
* administer high-dose surfactant (every 6-8 hrs)
2. Septic shock
- Appropriate antimicrobial based on culture, radiograph & antibiogram
3. Multi-organ
- IVIG 1g per kg for two days or 400mg/k/day for 5 days
failure - Vitamin K
- Start inotropes
As shown in Tables 10-12, the recommendations for the Suspect/Confirmed COVID outborn are similar to
those in the inborn, except that RT-PCR is done upon admission and standard of care is not done. Mother is
discouraged to visit her baby who is admitted in the. NICU
1. Counselling of the mother/family re: Admission of her newborn to COVID NICU for intensive care (respirato-
ry support, intravenous fluids and medication and close monitoring
2. RT -PCR upon admission

3. Laboratory examinations, as warranted
a. ABG
b. CBC platelet
c. blood culture
d. chest radiograph/CT scan
e. CBG monitoring while on NPO
f. CRP/Procalcitonin , which, if increased, usually indicates bacterial infection
g. Serum electrolytes
h. Liver function test (ALT,AST, prothrombin time, serum albumin)
i. BUN/Creatinine
j. Muscle enzymes, D-dimer, LDH, serum ferritin
k. 2D-echocardiography
4. Oxygen support via nasal cannula, CPAP or mechanical ventilator
5. Fluid resuscitation with crystalloids (PNSS) or colloids, as needed
6. Enteral feeding of the baby with mother’s expressed milk. If not tolerated, give total parenteral nutrition.
(TPN)
7. Monitoring with cardiac monitor & pulse oximeter
8. Surfactant for RDS or ARDS
9. Appropriate antimicrobial based on culture, radiograph & antibiogram of the facility
10. Gammaglobulin 1g per kg for two days or 400mg/k/day for 5 days
11. Vitamin K
12. Inotropic support
17. ROP screen for the premature < 35 weeks
18. For critical cases, last resort: continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)
extracorporealmembrane oxygenator
MANAGEMENT OF COMPLICATIONS
There is absolute need to address the complications3,6,18-19,22,38 that may be related to COVID-19 or to
its co-morbidities like prematurity, asphyxia, or bacterial sepsis.
A review of 18 articles on COVID-19 newborn revealed 25 neonates. Of the 25 neonates, 11 were Chi-
nese, 3, were Italian, 2 were Iranian, and the rest were from Spain, Belgium or South Korea, Of these 25
babies, 16 were born via Caesarean section (CS). The average gestational age of the babies was 37.4
weeks, and the average birth weight was 3,041 grams. The ratio of male babies to females was 2.8.
About 32 percent needed intensive care, and there were no deaths. Complications included pneumonia,
respiratory distress, sepsis, and pneumothorax.
a. Respiratory distress: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS):
The major adverse outcome of COVID-19 pregnancy is prematurity. Surfactant replacement therapy
and invasive ventilation or even high frequency oscillatory ventilation should be available to address the
resultant RDS. Complications such as air leak (pneumothorax), persistent pulmonary hypertension
(PPHN), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) should be anticipated.
b. Fluid and acid-base imbalance:
The supplement of water and electrolyte should be appropriate to prevent aggravating the pulmonary
edema and reduced oxygenation in babies on ventilators. Bicarbonate should be administered judicious-
ly.
c. Hypotension/shock:
Hypotension may be due to bleeding, sepsis and PDA in preterm. An infant in shock will have produc-
tion of chemical mediators that may initiate disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). There is
need to monitor the coagulation profile and to administer crystalloids and colloids (fresh frozen plasma,
platelet and/or cryoprecipitate) accordingly. Use of inotropes is essential especially with congestive
heart failure. Likewise, there is need to rule out myocarditis with determination of creatine kinase.
d. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
Babies with COVID-19 may have GI hemorrhage from deranged or COVID-19 related liver pathology
(elevated aminotransferases and prolonged prothrombin time) which would necessitate red cell transfu-
sion and correction of underlying coagulopathy or liver dysfunction. Proton pump inhibitor may also be
used.
e. Secondary bacterial infection/sepsis:
In as much as the presentation of COVID-19 newborns mimics sepsis, especially late-onset sepsis, sep-
tic work-up (including CRP/procalcitonin, if available) and initiation of antibiotics are recommended. For
those in the NICU on ventilatory support, healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) and central line-associ-
ated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) should be monitored.
f. Nutrition needs:
While separated from the mother, these infants should be started on expressed MOM or pasteurized
breastmilk. If enteral feed is not tolerated, total parenteral nutrition must be started.
g. Acute kidney injury (AKI):
Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and extracorporeal membrane lung (ECMO) therapy
can be done.
h. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS):
For ARDS, the mechanism is surfactant dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension with the underlying
COVID-19 disease. ARDS in newborns is manifested by opacification of the lungs. The function of ex-
ogenous surfactant may be decreased after a certain time period depending on the severity. In new-
borns with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), high‐dose pulmonary surfactant (given
every six hours), inhaled nitric oxide and high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation may be utilized. Extracor-
poreal membrane lung (ECMO) should be used as a last resort. A higher PEEP is important to increase
the lung volume. Prone positioning may be implemented.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS
At present, there is NO evidence supporting the efficacy of interferon, remdesivir, or hormone therapy in
newborns. The relatively immature immune system in newborns may contribute to their milder clinical
manifestation in comparison with adults, thus, iatrogenic suppression of immunity should be done with
caution in neonates.3,18-19,30
A multi-dsciplinary team (MDT) approach is recommended for critically ill neonates. The team includes
the neonatologist, infectious disease specialist, nephrologist, specialist nurses, midwives and respiratory
therapist. 3,30
DISCHARGE PLAN3,10,11,22
COVID-19 positive newborns who meet clinical discharge criteria do not require the results of SARS-
CoV-2 testing for discharge. Once available, results from the neonate’s test should be communicated to
the family and outpatient quarantine facility.
Criteria for newborn discharge routinely include physiologic stability, family preparedness and compe-
tence to provide newborn care at home, availability of social support, and access to the health care sys-
tem and resources. The decision to send the patient home should be made in consultation with the pa-
tient’s clinical care team and ideally with the local health units. It should include considerations of the
home’s suitability for and patient’s ability to adhere to home isolation recommendations.
CDC3,22 cautions that meeting the criteria for discontinuation of Transmission-Based Precautions is NOT
a prerequisite for discharge from a healthcare facility. The test-based strategy is no longer generally rec-
ommended because it often results in prolonged hospital stay of patients who continue to shed de-
tectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA but are no longer infectious.
The symptom-based strategy renders the discontinuation of precautionary measures in the following
types of patients:
a. Patients who are not severely immunocompromised and were asymptomatic:
• At least 10 days and up to 20 days have passed since the date of their first positive viral diagnostic
test.
• At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of antipyretics and
• Symptoms (e.g., cough, difficulty of breathing) have improved
b. Patients who are severely immunocompromised but were asymptomatic:
• At least 10 days and up to 20 days have passed since the date of their first positive viral diagnostic
test.
• At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of antipyretics and
c. Patients with mild to moderate illness who are not severely immunocompromised:
• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
• At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
d. Patients with severe to critical illness or who are severely immunocompromised:
• At least 10 days and up to 20 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
• At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
• Symptoms (e.g., cough, difficulty of breathing) have improved
• Consider consultation with infection control experts
Note:
Should Transmission-Based Precautions still be required, the mother-baby dyad should go to a commu-
nity quarantine facility with an ability to adhere to infection prevention and control recommendations for
the care of residents with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Preferably, the patient would be placed in a location
designated to care for residents with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Prior to Discharge:3,10,11,22,41
1. Give BCG and Hepatitis B immunization.
2. Make sure the following screening procedures are done:
a. Newborn screening, if feasible,
b. Hearing screen
c. Pulse oximetry screening for Critical Cyanitic Heart Disease (CCHD)
d. ROP screen for preterms
3. Give the following instructions to the mother or caregiver designated by the mother: 7,21
a. Should both mother and baby be COVID-19 positive, the mother-baby dyad should
stay in a separate bedroom/area with good ventilation, like opened window or an air condi-
tioner. Perform hand hygiene frequently. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20
seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of
hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used if hands get dirty.
b. Mother or caregiver should observe respiratory hygiene, that is, wear a face mask at all
times.20-21
c. Mother should wash her hands before and after breastfeeding her infant.
d. Mother or caregiver should monitor the baby for clinical signs or symptoms like fever, respi-
ratory distress, poor feeding or ‘milk refusal’ and vomiting until 14 days from the time of birth. 28,30,34
e. Should the baby of a COVID-19 positive mother test negative, the mother should maintain
both respiratory, breast and hand hygiene as much as possible, until EITHER (1) she has been afebrile
for 3 days without antipyretics, and (2) she reached 7 days from the time her symptoms first appeared;
OR she has negative tests.
f. Mother or caregiver should follow-up baby after 24 to 48 hours initially by phone until 14
days after birth. The infant who was admitted in the NICU should also follow-up with other sub special-
ists of the muktidisciplinary team, as needed.
Neonates with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, or ongoing exposure, require close outpatient follow-
up after discharge.
The CDC released a media statement 22 ‘ There have been more than 15 international and U.S.-based
studies recently published looking at length of infection, duration of viral shed, asymptomatic spread and
risk of spread among various patient groups. Researchers have found that the amount of live virus in the
nose and throat drops significantly soon after COVID-19 symptoms develop. Additionally, the duration
of infectiousness in most people with COVID-19 is no longer than 10 days after symptoms begin and no
longer than 20 days in people with severe illness or those who are severely immunocompromised.‘
Thus, discontinuation of isolation is safe at ten days for the mild to moderate cases and up to 20 days
for the severe to critical cases. 22
HOME CARE 22
Environmental supplies:
• Maintain room for mother-baby dyad clean, fresh air, suitable temperature and humidity
• Newborns should have personal towels and utensils
• Daily necessities should be clean,
• Non-caregivers should refrain from entering the room.
Nutrition:
• Promote breastfeeding per demand > 10-12 times / day
• Encourage kangaroo mother care
• Prescribe vitamin D supplement
• Advise balanced mother’s diet and sufficient sleep
Care
• Keep warm and prevent overheating
• Monitor body temperature, skin color, breathing, breastfeeding, and bowel movements
• Keep baby skin clean,
• Change diapers when wet
• Keep the umbilicus dry, no need to put binder
INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL 10,22,50-
Figure 3. Pathway from TRIAGE to DR to COLOCATION to DISCHARGE

WARD PATHWAY
Mothers, who opted colocation, can now room in with their newborns, provided that all HCWs should
always practice infection prevention and control measures before and while caring for the neonate.
There remains a potential risk of COVID-19 transmission via contact with respiratory secretions from the
mother, caregiver, or other person with COVID-19 infection, including just before the individual develops
symptoms when viral replication may be high
During hospital stay
• The mother should maintain a reasonable distance (one meter) from her infant when possible. When
mother provides hands-on care to her newborn, she should wear a face mask and perform hand-hy-
giene. Use of an incubator may facilitate distancing and provide the infant an added measure of pro-
tection from respiratory droplets. If using an incubator, care should be taken to properly latch doors to
prevent infant falls.
• Healthcare workers should use gowns, gloves, standard procedural masks, and eye protection (face
shields or goggles) when providing care for well infants. When this care is provided in the same room
as a mother with COVID-19, healthcare workers may opt to use N95 respirators in place of standard
procedural masks, if available.
• If non-infected partners or other family members are present during the birth hospitalization, they
should use masks and hand hygiene when providing hands-on care to the infant.
Recommended PPE:
1. Respirator or Facemask (Cloth face coverings are NOT PPE and should not be worn for the care of
patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or other situations where use of a respirator or face-
mask is recommended.)
• Put on an N95 respirator (or equivalent or higher-level respirator) or facemask (if a respirator is not
available) before entry into the patient room or care area, if not already wearing one as part of extended
use strategies to optimize PPE supply. Other respirators include other disposable filtering facepiece res-
pirators, powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs), or elastomeric respirators.
• N95 respirators or respirators that offer a higher level of protection should be used instead of a face-
mask when performing or present for an aerosol generating procedure. See appendix for respirator defi-
nition.
• Disposable respirators and facemasks should be removed and discarded after exiting the patient’s
room or care area and closing the door unless implementing extended use or reuse. Perform hand hy-
giene after removing the respirator or facemask.
o If reusable respirators (e.g., powered air-purifying respirators [PAPRs] or elastomeric respirators) are
used, they should also be removed after exiting the patient’s room or care area. They must be cleaned
and disinfected according to manufacturer’s reprocessing instructions prior to re-use.
• When the supply chain is restored, facilities with a respiratory protection program should return to use
of respirators for patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Those that do not current-
ly have a respiratory protection program, but care for patients with pathogens for which a respirator is
recommended, should implement a respiratory protection program.
2. Eye Protection
• Put on eye protection (i.e., goggles or a face shield that covers the front and sides of the face) upon
entry to the patient room or care area, if not already wearing as part of extended use strategies to opti-
mize PPE supply.
o Protective eyewear (e.g., safety glasses, trauma glasses) with gaps between glasses and the face likely
do not protect eyes from all splashes and sprays.
• Ensure that eye protection is compatible with the respirator so there is not interference with proper po-
sitioning of the eye protection or with the fit or seal of the respirator.
• Remove eye protection after leaving the patient room or care area, unless implementing extended use.
• Reusable eye protection (e.g., goggles) must be cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturer’s
reprocessing instructions prior to re-use. Disposable eye protection should be discarded after use unless
following protocols for extended use or reuse.
3. Gloves
• Put on clean, non-sterile gloves upon entry into the patient room or care area.
o Change gloves if they become torn or heavily contaminated.
• Remove and discard gloves before leaving the patient room or care area, and immediately perform
hand hygiene.
4. Gowns
• Put on a clean isolation gown upon entry into the patient room or area. Change the gown if it becomes
soiled. Remove and discard the gown in a dedicated container for waste or linen before leaving the pa-
tient room or care area. Disposable gowns should be discarded after use. Cloth gowns should be laun-
dered after each use.
NICU PATHWAY
Every newly born baby should have a skilled attendant prepared to resuscitate regardless of COVID-19
status. While the newborn COVID status is still unknown, providers should don appropriate PPE. The
mother is a potential source of aerosolization for the neonatal team.
• Initial steps: Routine neonatal care and the initial steps of placement into a plastic bag or wrap, as-
sessment of heart rate, placement of pulse oximetry and electrocardiograph leads.
• Suction: Suction of the airway after delivery should not be performed routinely for clear or meconium-
stained amniotic fluid. Suctioning is an aerosol-generating procedure and is not indicated for un-
complicated deliveries.

• Endotracheal medications: Endotracheal instillation of medications, such as surfactant or epinephrine,

are aerosol-generating procedures, especially via an uncuffed tube. Intravenous delivery of epinephrine
via a low-lying umbilical venous catheter is the preferred route of administration during neonatal resusci-
tation.
• Closed incubators: Closed incubator transfer and care (with appropriate distancing) should be used for
neonatal intensive care patients when possible but do not protect from aerosolization of virus.
Strategies during neonatal resuscitation
A. Reduce provider exposure to COVID-19
Strategies:
1. Before entering the scene, all rescuers should don PPE to guard against contact with both airborne
and droplet particles. Consult individual health or emergency medical services (EMS) system
standards because PPE recommendations may vary considerably on the basis of current epi-
demiological data and availability.
2. Limit personnel in the room or on the scene to only those essential for patient care.
3. In settings with protocols in place and expertise in their use, consider replacing manual chest com-
pressions with mechanical CPR devices to reduce the number of rescuers required for adults
and adolescents who meet the manufacturer’s height and weight criteria.
4. Clearly communicate COVID-19 status to any new providers before their arrival on the scene or re-
ceipt of the patient when transferring to a second setting.
B. Prioritize oxygenation and ventilation strategies with lower aerosolization risk.

Strategies:
5. Attach a HEPA filter securely, if available, to any manual or mechanical ventilation device in the path
of exhaled gas before administering any breaths.
6. After healthcare providers assess the rhythm and defibrillate any ventricular arrhythmias, patients in
cardiac arrest should be intubated with a cuffed tube at the earliest feasible opportunity. Con-
nect the endotracheal tube to a ventilator with a HEPA filter when available.
7. Minimize the likelihood of failed intubation attempts by the following:
a. Assigning the provider and approach with the best chance of first-pass success to intubate
b. Pausing chest compressions to intubate
8. Video laryngoscopy may reduce intubator exposure to aerosolized particles and should be consid-
ered if available.
9. Before intubation, use a bag-mask device (or T piece in neonates) with a HEPA filter and a tight seal,
or, for adults, consider passive oxygenation with a nonrebreathing face mask covered by a sur-
gical mask.
10. If intubation is delayed, consider manual ventilation with a supraglottic airway or bag-mask device
with a HEPA filter.
11. Once on a closed circuit, minimize disconnections to reduce aerosolization.
C. Consider the Appropriateness of Starting and Continuing Resuscitation
Strategies:
12. Address goals of care with patients with COVID-19 (or proxy) in anticipation of the potential need for
increased levels of care.
13. Healthcare systems and EMS agencies should institute policies to guide frontline providers in deter-
mining the appropriateness of starting and terminating CPR for patients with COVID-19, taking
into account patient risk factors to estimate the likelihood of survival. Risk stratification and poli-
cies should be communicated to patients (or proxy) during discussions of goals of care.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Pre-Arrest
• Address advanced care directives and goals of care with all patients with suspected or confirmed
COVID-19 (or proxy) on hospital arrival and with any significant change in clinical status such as an in-
crease in level of care.
• Closely monitor for signs and symptoms of clinical deterioration to minimize the need for emergency
intubations that put patients and providers at higher risk.
• If the patient is at risk for cardiac arrest, consider proactively moving the patient to a negative-pressure
room/unit, if available, to minimize risk of exposure to rescuers during a resuscitation.
• Close the door when possible to prevent airborne contamination of adjacent indoor space.
DELIVERY ROOM PATHWAY
Intubated Patients at the Time of Cardiac Arrest
• Consider leaving the patient on a mechanical ventilator with a HEPA filter to maintain a closed circuit
and to reduce aerosolization.
• Adjust the ventilator settings to allow asynchronous ventilation (time chest compressions with ventila-
tion in newborns). Consider the following suggestions:
– Increase the Fio2 to 1.0.
– Use either pressure or volume control ventilation and limit pressure or tidal volume to generate ade-
quate chest rise (4-6 mL/kg ideal body weight is often targeted [6mL/kg for adults]).
– Adjust the trigger to “off” to prevent the ventilator from auto-triggering with chest compressions and
possibly prevent hyperventilation and air trapping.
– Adjust respiratory rate to 30 breaths/min for neonates.
– Assess the need to adjust the positive end-expiratory pressure level to balance lung volumes and ve-
nous return.
– Adjust alarms to deliver full breaths with asynchronous chest compressions.
– Ensure endotracheal tube/tracheostomy and ventilator circuit security to prevent unplanned extuba-
tion.
• If return of spontaneous circulation is achieved, set ventilator settings as appropriate to patients’ clini-
cal condition.
Use of Aerosol Box
Recently, the US FDA revoked the umbrella emergency use authorization (EUA) it granted in May for in-
tubation boxes that lack fans or air filters and do not generate negative pressure. Likewise, in one study
the use of these boxes had increased intubation times and could cause damage to conventional person-
al protective equipment. Further research was recommended before these devices can be considered
safe for clinical use. (Marcia Fr
DISINFECTION52-54
Disinfection refers to the use of chemicals to kill microbes on surfaces.
DISINFECTANTS
Commonly used for hand hygiene, fast onset,
Alcohol
Easily flammable,
Tensical capacity combines cleaning and disinfection,
Quaternary ammonium cmpds Not work on non-enveloped viruses, thus combined with alcohol
and aldehydes
Broad-spectrum including non-enveloped viruses and bacterial
Peroxides
spores
Broad spectrum in high concentration.
Chlorides
Can affect surfaces
High level disinfectants with high range if efficiencyString idor can
Bleach
irritate respiratory tract
1. General Guidelines.
a. The sodium hypochlorite solution at 0.5% (equivalent to 5000 ppm) using a ratio of 1:10)
shall be used for disinfecting surfaces including soiled clothes, toilets, body fluid spilled on
the floors, vehicles, roads, disposed PPEs and similar healthcare wastes, and others.
b. If other options for handwashing (e.g. alcohol-based rub, soap and water) are not available,
sodium hypochlorite solution at 0.05% (equivalent to 500 ppm) using a ratio of 1:100) may
be used for handwashing.
c. Other types of chemical disinfectants such as ammonium chloride, phenols and hydrogen
peroxide shall be used according to manufacturer’s requirements.
d. All individuals dealing with the disinfection process shall wear appropriate personal protec-
tive equipment (PPE).
e. Proper hand hygiene shall be practiced before and after the disinfection activity.
2. Specific Guidelines
a. Preparation of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution (1:10 solution) for surface disinfection
1) Using commercially available household bleach at 5% active chlorine, dilute 1 part of

bleach to 9 parts of clean water; or
2) Using chlorine powder/granules/tablet at 60%-70% active chlorine, dissolve 1 table-

spoon of chlorine (equivalent to 10 grams) to 2 liters of clean water. Mix the so-
lution thoroughly using a stick.
b. Preparation of the 0.05% sodium hypochlorite solution for hand-washing (1:100 solution)
1) Using the 0.5% solution of household bleach, add 1 part of the solution to 9 parts of
clean water. For example, add 100mL of solution ( (7 tablespoons) to 1 liter of
clean water
3. When disinfecting the room
a. Cleaning and disinfecting the room
1) Wear disposable or impermeable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process,
including handling trash.
2) Have additional personal protective equipment (PPE) while cleaning/disinfectant prod-

ucts are being used to protect fromoo splash.
3) Remove the gloves and gowns carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the
surrounding area.
4) If there is a shortage of PPEs available, wash hands often with soap and water for at
least 20 seconds. Change clothes immediately after the cleaning and disinfecting activity.
5) Always wash hands immediately after removing gloves.
6) If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always
wash hands with soap and water.
b. For hard surfaces (floors), first clean then disinfect at least daily:
1) Clean surfaces using soap and water to remove visible dirt.
2) Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. High or frequently touched

surfaces which include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops,
handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
3) Disinfection can be done using household cleaners and disinfectants, diluted house-
hold bleach solutions or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol – as
appropriate for the surface. Check to ensure the product is not past its ex-
piration date.
4) Mop the floors with regular household detergent and water at least daily.
5) Directly mopping or wiping surfaces is also advisable. However, spraying of cleaning or disin-
fectant solution on a surface can also be applied with caution, and only when no
other option is available.
6) Follow manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many prod-
ucts recommend:
Note: Keep the surface wet for several minutes to ensure microbes are killed.
Practice caution in wearing gloves and having adequate ventilation during use
Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
c. For soft surfaces (such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes):
1) Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces
at least weekly.
2) Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest ap-
propriate water setting and dry items completely; Do not “hug” or shake dirty
laundry before washing to avoid spreading the virus or other dirt and bacteria.
Laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items. Dis-
infect with an FDA-registered household disinfectant.
3) For clothing, towels, linens and other items that go in the laundry, wash at the warmest possi-
ble settings with your usual detergent and then dry completely.
4) For other soft items (for example, drapes, upholstered sofas and rugs), follow the manufactur-
er’s instructions or use a cleaning product specifically for that item.
5) Mop heads, cloths and other cleaning tools should be washed with soap and water, and sani-
tized with a registered disinfectant or bleach solution and allowed to dry prior to
reuse. A new or cleaned and sanitized mop or cloth should be used to clean and
disinfect each area. Use single-use, disposable mop heads or cloths as an alter-
native.
d. For electronics (tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, incubators, ventilators and oxime-
ters)
1) Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics.
2) Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting. If no guidance, use alcohol-
based wipes or solutions containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.
e. For trash can
1). Use double-layer infectious medical waste bags to line the trash can.
2) Apply chlorine-containing solution for more than 10 minutes and dispose the waste ac-
cording to infectious medical waste protocol.
3) Collect the non-disposable medical fabrics of the patient by the bedside - disinfected with
chlorine-containing solution for more than 10 minutes and then be disposed of according to protocols of
infectious medical fabric.
f. The final disinfection of the room should involve hydrogen peroxide atomization or gasification,
or chlorine-containing solution spray disinfection.
ETHICAL ISSUES IN CARE OF SUSPECTED/CONFIRMED

COVID-19 NEWBORN22,57
GENERAL ETHICAL GUIDELINES IN NEONATAL CARE DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC
1. Competent, timely, compassionate and ethical care shall be made available to all neonates (COVID
and non COVID).
2. All duly recommended protective measures for health care workers caring for COVID suspect/con-
firmed neonates shall be provided whenever feasible.
3. Equitable allocation of such resources shall be facilitated. Allocation decisions shall be made on the
basis of evenly applied practices, as fairly as possible, across the spectrum of patients, without turning
to biased quality-of-life assessments.
4. Consideration of withdrawing/withholding further critical care interventions shall be based on medical

futility, burden of care and shared decision making with parents/guardians and the attending medical
staff with the Ethics committee in advisory capacity. Alternative palliative care interventions shall be
made available.
5. Ethical standards and their application to research conducted during public health emergencies shall
be adhered to. Particular attention shall be placed on the research scientific validity, social value, respect
for dignity of life and protection of newborns from undue risk.
From the standpoint of Ethics, there are two important things57 to consider in the management of
COVID -19 newborns:
1. "even in a pandemic, the first priority remains the provision of outstanding patient care"; and
2. "The main goal during "triage" cannot be to .”buffer clinicians or soften the blow” “nor is it to save
the most lives in a time of unprecedented crisis,” “neither is it to favor those with the best prospects
for the longest remaining life favoring the strong. But rather, the decision making process during
this pandemic must be made by frontline physicians together with the patients' parents and/or
surrogate and with ethics committees or triage committees serving only in an advisory capacity
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
RT-PCR test- RT-PCR test-

ing on the ing on the Management
State of the mother for newborn for Isolation of of the new-
Breastfeeding
Mother SARS-CoV-2 SARS-CoV-2 the mother born during
using pharyn- using pharyn- hospital stay
geal swab geal swab
SHARED DECI- SHARED DECI- SHARED DECI-

SION. Room- SION. Room- SION. Breast-
in with baby in with mother feed baby with
Confirmed with utmost with utmost utmost precau-
COVID19 Already done Yes, at 24 hours precautions precautions tions or give
but stable OR separate OR separate expressed
temporarily temporarily breastmilk or
until baby’s until baby’s pasteurized
test results test results breastmilk
Admit in Isola-
tion Room if
stable. May be
discharged with Expressed
Confirmed caregiver desig- MOM, if feasible,
COVID19 Already done Yes, at 24 hours Yes nated by the or pasteurized
but unstable mother.
breastmilk
Admit in NICU
Isolation if un-
stable
SHARED DECI- SHARED DECI- SHARED DECI-

SION.
SION.
SION.
Room-in with Room-in with Breastfeed baby

Suspected baby with ut- mother with ut- with utmost pre-
COVID19 Yes Yes, at 24 hours most precau- most precau- cautions or give
but stable tions OR sepa- tions OR sepa- expressed
rate temporarily rate temporarily breastmilk or
until baby’s test until baby’s test pasteurized
results results breastmilk
Admit in Isola-
tion.
Expressed
Suspected May be dis- MOM, if feasible,
Yes, in the ICU
COVID19 Yes Yes, at 24 hours charged with or pasteurized
Isolation
but unstable caregiver desig- breastmilk.
nated by the
mother
DISCLAIMER: You can modify in accordance with your hospital policies, available space, man-
power, supplies and logistics. May be revised as the need arise
REFERENCES
1. Berghella V. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Pregnancy issues. Uptodate updated 13 April
2020 (Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-preg-
nancy-issues?search=COVID-19%20in%20newborns&source=search_result&selectedTitle=4~150&
usage_ type=default&display_rank=4 14 April 2020)
2. Department of Health. Administrative Order 2020-0013 Guidelines for the Inclusion of Coronavirus
19 Disease (COVID-19) in the List of Notifiable Diseases for Mandatory Reporting to the Department
of Health dated March 19; 2020. 9 April 2020.
3. Wang L, Shi Y, Xiao T, Fu J, Feng X, Mu D, et al. on behalf of the Working Committee on

Perinatal and Neonatal Management for the Prevention and Control of the 2019 Novel Coron-
avirus Infection. Chinese expert consensus on the perinatal and neonatal management for the
prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection (First edition). Ann Transl Med
2020;8(3):47. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.20 (Retrieved 20 March 2020) ((Emailed by Dr LJ Lin 27
March 2020) )
4. Boni MF, Perry BW, Lam TY, Jiang X, Lemey P, Castoe. Evolutionary origins of the SARS-CoV-2
sarbecovirus lineage responsible for the COVID- 19 pandemic. Nature Microbiology. (Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-020-0771-4 23 August 2020)
5. McIntosh K. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Epidemiology, virology, and prevention. Uptodate
updated 15 September 2020 (Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/coronavirus-disease-
2019-covid-19-epidemiology-virology-and-prevention#H4014462337 21 Sept 2020)
6. De Rose et al. Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in newborns and infants: what we know so far.
Italian Journal of Pediatrics (2020) 46:56 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-020-0820-x
7. Chen J, Zhang ZZ, Chen YK, Long QX, Tian WG, Deng HJ. The clinical and immunological features
of pediatric COVID-19 patients in China. Genes Dis 14 April 2020. (Retrieved from https://doi.org/
10.1016/j.gendis.2020.03.008 7 July 2020)
8. Alfaraj SH, Al-Tawfiq JA, Memish ZA. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MER-
SCoV) infection during pregnancy: Report of two cases & review of the literature. J Microbiol
Immunol Infect 2019 Jun;52(3):501-3.
9. Lu Q and Shi Y. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and neonate: What neonatologist need to know. J
Med Virol 2020 Jun;92(6):564-567. doi: 10.1002/jmv.25740. Epub 2020 Mar 12.
10. Puopolo KM, Hudak ML, Kimberlin DW, Cummings J. Initial Guidance: Management of Infants Born
to Mothers with COVID-19. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Fetus and Newborn, Sec-
tion on Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, and Committee on Infectious Diseases. 2 April 2020 (Retrieved from
https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/faqs-management-of-
infants-born-to-covid-19-mothers/ 3 April 2020)
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Considerations for Infection Prevention
and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Inpatient Obstetric Healthcare Settings.
2020. (Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/hcp/ 12 March 2020 and https://
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-hospitalized-patients.html 7April 2020)
12. Trevisanuto D, Moschino L, Doglioni N, Roehr CC, Gervasi MT, Baraldi E Neonatal Resuscitation
Where the Mother Has a Suspected or Confirmed Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Infection: Sugges-
tion for a Pragmatic Action Plan. Neonatology
(Retrieved from https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/507935 28 April 2020)
13. Terheggen U; Heiring C; Kjellberg M; Hegardt F; Kneyber M; Gente M, et al. European consensus
recommendations for neonatal and paediatric retrievals of positive or suspected COVID-19 patients. Pe-
diatr Res July 2020 ( Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-020-1050-z 21 Sept 2020)
14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 Discontinuation of
Transmission- Based Precautions and Disposition of Patient with COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings ( In-
terim Guidance) Discharging COVID-19 Patients. 17 July 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-hospitalized-patients.html
15. Mayo Clinic Staff. COVID-19 (coronavirus) in babies and children. April 2020 (Retrieved from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-in-babies-and-children/art-20484405 22 April 2020)
16. World Health Organization (WHO). Modes of transmission of virus causing COVID-19: implications
for IPC recommendations. Scientific brief. 29 March 2020. (Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-
room/commentaries/detail/modes-of-transmission-of-virus-causing-covid-19-implications-for-ipc-pre-
caution-recommendations 29 March 2020)
17. Schwartz DA. An Analysis of 38 Pregnant Women with COVID-19, Their Newborn Infants, and Ma-
ternal-Fetal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Maternal Coronavirus Infections and Pregnancy Outcomes
[published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 17]. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2020;10.5858/arpa.2020-0901-
SA. doi:10.5858/arpa.2020-0901-SA
18. World Health Organization (WHO). Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infections
(SARI) when COVID-19 disease is suspected. Interim Guidance. 13 March, Geneva. (Retrieved from
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/ 331446/WHO-2019-nCoV-clinical-2020.4-eng.pdf?se-
quence=1& isAllowed=y. 22 May 2020)
19. Shen KL ; Yang YH; Jiang RM; Wang TY; Zhao DC; Jiang Y; et al. Updated diagnosis, treatment
and prevention of COVID‐19 in children: experts’ consensus statement (condensed version of the sec-
ond edition). World Journal of Pediatrics (2020) 16:232–239. (Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/
content/pdf/10.1007/s12519-020-00362-4.pdf August 30, 2020)
20. Dotters-Katz S & Hughes BL. Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and
Pregnancy: What Maternal-Fetal Medicine Subspecialists Need to Know 13 March 2020 (Retrieved
from: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.smfm.org/media/2262/COVID19_PDF.pdf 12 March 2020)
21. Dong L, Tian J, He S, Zhu C, Wang J, Liu C, Yang J. Possible Vertical Transmission of SARS-
CoV-2 from an Infected Mother to her Newborn. JAMA 26March 2020 (Retrieved from https://jamanet-
work.com/ 5 April, 2020).
22. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.. Evaluation and Management Considerations for
Neonates At Risk for COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 3 August 2020 https://www.cdc.gov/coron-
avirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
23. Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center, September 26, 2020 (Retrieved from https://
coronavirus.jhu.edu 26 Sept 2020)
24. Deville JG, Song E and Ouellette CP. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Clinical manifestations
and diagnosis in children. Uptodate updated 14 September 2020 ( Retrieved from https://www.upto-
date.com/contents/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-in-chil-
dren#H3084790875
25. Breslin N, Baptiste C, Gyamfi-Bannerman C, Miller R, Martinez R, Bernstein K, et al. COVID-19 in-
fection among asymptomatic and symptomatic pregnant women: Two weeks of confirmed presentations
to an affiliated pair of New York City hospitals. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2020.. (Retrieved from
https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc7144599 9 April 2020)
26. Chen H, Guo J, Wang C, Luo F, Yu X, Zhang W et al. Clinical characteristics and intrauterine vertical
transmission potential of COVID-19 infection in nine pregnant women: a retrospective review of medical
records. Lancet. 2020;395(10226):809-15. Epub 2020/03/11. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30360-3.
PubMed PMID: 32151335 (Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/
PIIS0140-6736(20)30360-3.pdf 12 March 2020)
27. Zeng.L, Xia S, Yuan W, er al. Neonatal Early-Onset Infection With SARS-CoV-2 in 33 Neonates
Born to Mothers With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. JAMA Pediatr. Published online March 26, 2020. doi:
10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.0878 (Retrieved 26March 2020)
28. Zhu H, Wang L, Fang C, Peng S, Zhang L, Chang G, Xia S, Zhou W. Clinical analysis of 10 neonates
born to mothers with 2019-nCoV pneumonia. Transl Pediatr 2020;9(1):51-60. doi: 10.21037/tp.
2020.02.06
29. Di Mascio D, Khalil A, Saccone G, Rizzo G, Buca D, Liberati, M, et al. Outcome of coronavirus spec-
trum infections (SARS, MERS, COVID-19) during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM May 2020. (Retrieved 21 Sept 2020
30. Working Group for the Prevention and Control of Neonatal 2019-nCoV Infection in the Perinatal Pe-
riod of the Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. Perinatal and neona-
tal management plan for prevention and control of 2019 novel coronavirus infection (1st Edition).
Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi 2020;22:87–90.
31. Liguoro I, Pilotto C, Bonanni M, Ferrari ME, Pusiol A, Nocerino A, et al. SARS-COV-2 infection in
children and newborns: a systematic review. Eur J Pediatr (2020) 179:1029–1046 (Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-020-03684-7. 25 Sept 2020)
32. American College of Obstetricians. Practice Advisory: Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
March 13, 2020 (Retrieved 15 March 2020)
33. Chen H, Guo J, Wang C, Luo F, Yu X, Zhang W et al. Clinical characteristics and intrauterine vertical
transmission potential of COVID-19 infection in nine pregnant women: a retrospective review of medical
records. Lancet. 2020;395(10226):809-15. Epub 2020/03/11. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30360-3.
PubMed PMID: 32151335 (Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/
PIIS0140-6736(20)30360-3.pdf 12 March 2020
34. Chen Y, Peng H, Wang L, Zhao Y, Zeng L, Gao H et al. Infants Born to Mothers With a New Coron-
avirus (COVID-19). Front. Pediatr., 16 March 2020. (Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.
2020.00104 17 March 2020)
35. Cascella M, Rajnik M, Cuomo A, et al. Features, Evaluation, and Treatment of Coronavirus
(COVID-19) [Updated 2020 Aug 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing;
2020 Jan.
36. Salvatore SM, Han JY, Acker KO, et al. Neonatal management and outcomed during the COVID -19/
pandemic: an observation cohort study. Lancet. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PI-
IS2352-4642(20)30235-2/fulltext
37. Cheema R, Partridge E, Kair LR, Kuhn-Riordon. KM, Silva AI, Bettinelli ME,Chantry CJ, Under-
wood MA, ,Lakshminrusimha S, Blumberg D. Protecting Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Am J Perinatol. Published online July 2020. DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1055/
s-0040-1714277.ISSN0735-1631.
38. World Health Organization. Clinical management of COVID-19: Interim guidance 18 May 2020.
39. Department of Health. Memorandum 2020- 0319. Interim Guidelines COVID-19 Management of
Pregnant Women, Women About to Give Birth and Newborns. Approved July 13, 2020
40. Korean Society of Neonate (KSN). Coronavirus Infection-19 Neonatal Care Born from Confirmed
or Suspected Patients Manual for Neonates. March 4, 2020. (Emailed by Dr Do Hyun Kim 21 March
2020)
41. Wyckoff AS, Rooming-in, with precautions, now OK in revised AAP Guidelines. AAP interim guid-
ance 22 July 2020 (Retrieved from https://www.aappublications.org/news/2020/07/22/newbornguid-
ance072220 30 July 2020)
42. Davanzo R, Moro G, Sandri F, Agostin M, Moretti C and Mosca F. Breastfeeding and coronavirus
disease-2019: Ad interim indications of the Italian Society of Neonatology endorsed by the Union of Eu-
ropean Neonatal & Perinatal Societies. Matern Child Nutr. 2020;16:e13010. (Retrieved from https://
doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13010 23 August 2020)
43. Chu DK, Akl E, Duda S, Solo K, Yaakub S, Shunemann SJ, et al. Physical distancing, face masks,
and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: a system-
atic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 385:10243 p1973-1987. 27 June 2020
44. Japanese Society for Neonatal Health and Development (JSNHD). Recommended measures to
a new type coronavirus infection in newborn infants. Newborn coronavirus infection in early postnatal
neonates second report. http://jsnhd.or.jp/pdf/20200228COVID-19%202nd.pdf. Updated Feb 28, 2020.
(Emailed by Dr Tetsuya Isayama 20 March 2020)
45. Academy of Breadtfeeding Medicine. ABM STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID- 19)
March 10, 2020. ( Retrieved from https:// www.bfmed.org/abm-statement-coronavirus 12 March 2020)
46. Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (RCOG). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection in Preg-
nancy. Version 2. 13 March 2020.
47. Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health.(RCPCH). COVID-19 - guidance for paediatric ser-
vices. 13 March 2020
48. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Critical Updates on COVID-19. Clinical Guidance. 22 July
2020.
49. Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India, National Neonatology Forum (NNF),
India Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Perinatal-Neonatal management of COVID-19 infection Ver 1.0 26
March 2020. Retrieved from https://perinatalcovid19.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/fogsi-nnf-iap-
covid19-perinatal-neonatal-guideline-ver-1.0-march-26-2020.pdf.pdf 3April 2020)
50. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention..Evaluation and Management Considerations for
Neonates At Risk for COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/caring-for-newborn-
s.html
51. Edelson P, et al . Interim Guidance for Basic and Advanced Life Support in Adults, Children, and
Neonates With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19: From the Emergency Cardiovascular Care Com-
mittee and Get With the Guidelines®-Resuscitation Adult and Pediatric Task Forces of the American
Heart Association in Collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for
Respiratory Care, American College of Emergency Physicians, The Society of Critical Care Anesthesiol-
ogists, and American Society of Anesthesiologists: Supporting Organizations: American Association of
Critical Care Nurses and National EMS Physicians. 2020 American Heart Association, Inc
52. Guidelines on Cleaning and Disinfection in Various Settings as an Infection Prevention and Control
Measure Against COVID-19, DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0157, April 10,2020
53. COVID-19: General Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection for Non-Health Care Settings, https://
www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/...
54. Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019 ncov/community/

pdf/Reopening_America_Guidance.pdf
55. NCBC Ethicists, “Ethical Concerns with COVID-19 Triage Protocols, August 2020.
56. Ethical standards for research during public health emergencies: Distilling existing guidance to sup-
port COVID-19 R&D. 2020
57. Rev. T. Pacholczyk, “An Alternative Perspective on Rationing Ventilators,” Ethics & Medics 45:7
(July 2020): 2020.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
CONTRIBUTORS:
Dr. Belen Amparo Escober-Velasco
Dr. Maria Conchitina Bandong
Dr. Charito Corpuz
Dr. Aurea Dagdag-Matias
Dr. Eleanor de los Reyes-Cuarte
Dr. Janet Go-Nierva
Dr. Maryanne Ilao
Dr. Sherwin Leonardo
Dr. Aurora Libadia
Dr. Lourdes Salaveria-Imperial
Dr. Sharlene Seng
Dr. Cynthia SO-Ocampo
Dr. Jean Tay
REVIEWERS:
Dr. Emilio A. Hernandez, Jr
Dr. Josie Niu-Kho
Dr. Wilfredo Santos

PSNBM COVID GUIDE

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PSNBM COVID GUIDE

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

PSNBM COVID GUIDE

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CARE OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 NEWBORNS

Abbreviations HCW - healthcare worker

AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics LDH - serum lactic dehydrogenase

ABG - arterial blood gas MOM - mother’s own milk

AGP - aerosol generating procedures MV - mechanical ventilation

ALT - alanine aminotransferase NBS - newborn screen

AOG - age of gestation NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

AST - aspartate aminotransferase NPS - nasopharyngeal swab

CBC - complete blood count PCT - procalcitonin

CBG - capillary blood glucose PPE - personal protective equipment

CRP - C Reactive protein ROP - retinopathy of prematurity

CT scan - computerized tomography RT-PCR - reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction

CXRAY - chest radiograph SIN - Italian Society of Neonatology

GGO - ground-glass opacity TPN - total parenteral nutrition

III. TRANSMISSION ......................................................................... 6

IV. CHARACTERISTICS OF COVID-19 NEWBORNS...................... 9

A. STABLE NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED

B. UNSTABLE NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED

COVID-19 MOTHERS ..................................................................... 15

C. SUSPECT/CONFIRMED OUTBORNS ....................................20

VI. COMPLICATIONS IN COVID-19 NEWBORNS .......................... 24

VII. DISCHARGE PLAN................................................................... 26

VIII. HOME CARE......................................................................... ...28

IX. INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL................................28

XI. ETHICS IN CARE OF THE COVID-19 NEWBORNS...................35

Table 1. Definition of the New COVID-19 Classification

Suspect 1. person with influenza-like illness. (ILI) with

Probable Any of the following:

Confirmed Person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19

> Newborn born to mother with a history of COVID-19 between 14

Newborns with confirmed COVID-19 infection if one of the following

VIROLOGY OF SARS CoV-2

It possesses 88–96% sequence identity to three bat-derived SARS-like coronaviruses (bat-SL-CoV-

Figure 1. The Coronavirus Sars-CoV 2 Lineage4

SUBFAMILY. Coronavirinae. Torovirinae

GENUS. Alpha. Beta. Gamma. Delta

Figure 2. Modes of Transmission of COVID-19

From Outbreak to Pandemic

• The WHO Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation Board.

Table 3. Total number of COVID-19 Positive Newborns in the Philippines

• preterm birth <37 weeks (41.1 percent),

• preterm premature rupture of membranes (18.8 percent),

• preeclampsia (13.6 percent), and

• cesarean delivery (9.1 percent);

For the baby:

• admission to a neonatal ICU (10 percent),

• stillbirth (2.4 percent), and

• neonatal death (2.4 percent).

CLINICAL FEATURES OF NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 MOTHERS

Figure 3. Clinical features of COVID-19 newborn

2. Temperature instability: fever, hypothermia or normal temperature.

LABORATORY FEATURES OF NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 MOTHERS

RADIOLOGIC FINDINGS OF NEWBORNS OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 MOTHERS

GENERAL GUIDELINES ON THE CARE OF THE INBORN

DELIVERY OF NEWBORN OF SUSPECT/CONFIRMED MOTHER

Shared decision-making prior to Delivery

Table 4. Delivery room management for newborns born to mothers

STABLE SUSPECT/CONFIRMED COVID-19 INBORNS

2. COLOCATION VERSUS TEMPORARY ISOLATION