Safe otorhinolaryngological outpatient practices in COVID-19 in Indian scenarios

The 2019 novel corona virus has created havoc across the world for whole of last year and still doing so with its continuing second and third waves. It is hypothesized that SARS CoV 2 virus can spread by sneezing, coughing, and even talking to close contact (less than 2 meters) in as little time as few minutes. This exercise was done in patients who attended the Otorhinolaryngological outpatient department from July 2020 to December 20 in a tertiary care center in Lucknow. A total of 1556 patients were included in this study. Keeping this is mind, after careful discussion we propose a OPD consultation protocol which would not only be useful during this pandemic but even after the peaks have passed and COVID-19 transmission comes down to low levels. This protocol if followed properly would prevent transmission of many such possible infections in future as well.