2.1

The respiratory infection associated with COVID-19 is mostly associated with a dry and non-productive cough; lower respiratory tract involvement usually involves pneumonitis rather than exudative consolidation.In these cases, respiratory physiotherapy interventions are not indicated.

2.2

Respiratory physiotherapy interventions in hospital wards or ICU may be indicated for patients who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and concurrently or subsequently develop exudative consolidation, mucous hypersecretion and/or difficulty clearing secretions.

2.3

Physiotherapists are responsible for providing interventions for mobilisation, exercise and rehabilitation (e.g. in patients with comorbidities creating significant functional decline and/or (at risk) for ICU-acquired weakness).

2.4

Physiotherapy interventions should only be provided when there are clinical indicators, so that staff exposure to patients with COVID-19 is minimised. Unnecessary review of patients with COVID-19 within their isolation room/areas will also have a negative impact on PPE supplies.

2.5

Physiotherapists should meet regularly with senior medical staff to determine indications for physiotherapy review in patients with confirmed or suspected CoViD-19 and screen according to set/agreed guidelines.

2.6.

Physiotherapy staff should not be routinely entering isolation rooms, where patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 are isolated.

2.7

Options for screening patients via subjective review and basic assessment whilst not being in direct contact with the patient should be trialled first whenever possible (e.g., calling the patient’s isolation room telephone and conducting a subjective assessment for mobility information and/or providing education on airway clearance techniques).