The virus spreads from an “INFECTED” to a “SUSCEPTIBLE” person. We can interrupt the transmission by creating physical barriers between the infected and susceptible. Best barrier is physical distance through social distancing.
There is one social interaction where this barrier is difficult to maintain: that is between doctors (or healthcare workers) and patients. Notwithstanding the need for close contact between doctors and patients to fight the virus, this breaking down of barrier also provides opportunity for viral transmission. Hence its imperative that the close contact be limited to situations where it is really needed.

To discuss this there are two important considerations:

1. The dynamics of viral transmission: which is from INFECTED to SUSCEPTIBLE.
2. The necessity of face-to-face contact: the situations where this contact is essential should be clearly defined. The absolute necessity is when a very sick infected patient needs medical care.
   The strategy is actually very simple till here.
   • If the patient is INFECTED, doctor has to see the patient with careful precautions, if really necessary. If it is not really necessary e.g. in mild infection, an online consultation can do the job.
   • If the doctor is INFECTED, patient should not meet the doctor face-to-face and an online consultation is preferred. Doctor should be in quarantine for 2 weeks.
     

The picture becomes more complex when we suspect that viral transmission is more widespread. Who is INFECTED is not always clear. History of exposure may be hidden or not known for both parties. Infected person may be asymptomatic. So in effect, as the virus spread increases, we will be more and more unsure who is or is not infected. So effectively the categories become “INFECTED” or “UNKNOWN”. The Unknown category can be classified further into SUSCEPTIBLE and INFECTED only through testing for the infection.

Of course any interaction should always be with PPE precautions i.e. masks and hand hygiene by both patient and doctor, which is also an effective barrier against viral transmission.

So to all the healthcare workers out there: Be Brave but also Be Smart! Take care of yourself because only then you can take care of others!