Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

A GLOBAL PANDEMIC: COVID-19 T he SARS-CoV-2 virus, with origins in China in 2019, spread at alarming rates around the world, and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic 1 —the first and sporting events were cancelled, including the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan; and elective surgeries, patient visits, and clinic hours were reduced dramatically if not put on hold completely.

ever coronavirus pandemic. Lock downs, mandates, and restrictions were enacted throughout the world. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was scarce and costly; face mask mandates for the public exasperated the PPE shortage; social distancing requirements closed schools, restaurants, exercise centers, and public spaces and limited interaction with families and friends— hitting those in hospitals and nursing homes especially hard; travel bans and quarantines were instituted both between countries and between state borders; concerts

The pandemic afflicted every medical practice, the entire healthcare industry, and the overall economic fabric around the world. Summarizing the events in the February 2021 Bulletin , Dr. Yanagisawa and Dr. Denneny stated, “With shutdowns initially taking place in the spring of 2020, practices suffered enormous physical, emotional, and economic challenges necessitating a complete reconfiguration and overhaul of the normal workflows in our offices, hospitals, and surgery centers, including patient prescreens, office

RESEAR OTOLAR AND

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Global Otolaryngology Community Comes Together in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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During 2020 the AAO-HNS/F provided the global otolaryngology community, including nonmembers, the resources and tools to address the varying impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on practice and patient care through OTO News , emails, social media, and audio/video podcasts on a continual basis. The following encompass those efforts: AAO-HNS/F provided the global otolaryngology community, including nonmembers, the resources and tools needed to address the varying impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on practice and patient care through OTO News , emails, social media, and audio/video podcasts on a continual basis.

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GUIDANCE FOR RETURN TO PRACTICE: The AAO-HNS, with the collaboration of the otolaryngology specialty societies, developed recommendations for a safe return to practice, presented in two parts and to be updated as necessary:

ANOSMIA AND DYSGEUSIA ACTION EFFECTING CHANGE: Recognition of anosmia and dysgeusia as symptoms followed comprehensive Academy initiatives carried out in a few short weeks. Actions included:

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1. https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19---11 march-2020

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PUBLIC STATEMENT released on March 22

PART ONE released on May 7