As we emerge from the first pandemic surge, there is a widespread desire to restart planned surgery using patient pathways that seek to minimise COVID-19 risk to patients and healthcare workers (HCWs).

Some hospitals are using colour-coded pathways but, since there is no standardised NHS nomenclature for these pathways, we will simply refer to emergency (unplanned) surgery pathways and planned surgery pathways. This document focuses on planned surgery pathways.

We are aware that there is marked uncertainty amongst operating theatre team members as to which infection prevention and control precautions should be taken when treating screened patients in planned surgical pathways.

This applies in particular to which personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear and whether or how long to wait for aerosols to be cleared from clinical areas by ventilation systems.

This document seeks to provide pragmatic recommendations based on currently available guidance, knowledge and opinion.

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