Protection at Portal of Entry (PPE) with Povidone Iodine for COVID-19

Background: The current Coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 15 million people worldwide and has been responsible for more than 630,000 deaths worldwide, a significant number of which has been healthcare professionals. Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) has been known as microbicidal agent since the past few decades and it has also demonstrated better anti-viral activity than other antiseptics in a few in vitro studies against other coronaviruses (SARSCoV and MERSCoV). Povidone iodine has also been found to be a safe and effective solution to be used as a gargle or intranasally. Aim and Objectives: Through our study, we would like to propose the application of PVP-I in appropriate and safe concentration through nasal application and oropharyngeal wash to limit the spread of the virus from infected patients to healthcare workers and thus reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Methods: This application is to be done according to the proposed protocol, which has been devised keeping in mind the feasibility, safety and efficacy of PVP-I application. This should be used regularly by patients with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection to not only prevent the spread, but also by healthcare workers prior to treating such patients, or performing perioral or nasal procedures during the pandemic, regardless of the status of the patient. Patients undergoing such procedures should also be treated with PVP-I. The total iodine exposure according to the proposed protocol has been found to be within previously recorded safe limits. Conclusion: We hypothesize that usage of PVP-I as a personal protective equipment at the portal of entry would help decrease the rates of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.