The evaluation and treatment of acute large vessel occlusion stroke present many challenges during the COVID-19 era. It may be difficult to screen stroke patients for COVID-19 symptoms because of encephalopathy or aphasia. Stroke patients require transportation for emergent acute stroke imaging, which consumes PPE and risks exposing staff.

Patients who undergo EVT often require intubation, an aerosol-generating procedure.

Recommendations are presented both for stroke patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with unknown COVID status and for admitted COVID-positive stroke patients.

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