. 2020 Apr 28;24(8):1852–1859. doi: 10.1007/s11605-020-04608-4

Table 3.

Threat levels to guide surgical case scheduling during COVID-19

Level 0—No threat
Level 1—Minimal threat:	Current events have a serious but limited impact on operations. Normal services can manage the anticipated response
Level 2—Moderate threat:	Postpone Category B2 and C patients
Level 2—Moderate threat:	Drivers: PPE available, < 10% of staff or faculty sick or quarantined, COVID-19 admissions increasing
Level 3—Serious threat:	Postpone Category B1 patients
Level 3—Serious threat:	Drivers: Limited non-ICU beds, 10–20% of staff or faculty sick or isolated, PPE supply threatened, 6 or greater ventilated COVID-19 patients in ICU, inventory of blood products drops by > 20%)
Level 4—Severe threat:	Only emergencies and select Category A patients as determined by the perioperative leadership
Level 4—Severe threat:	Drivers: PACU and anesthesia machines for overflow ICU, PACU becomes a COVID ward if necessary, asymptomatic faculty working independent of COVID status, PPE shortages noted, 13 or greater ventilated COVID-19 patients in the ICU, inventory of blood products drops by > 40%

PPE, personal protective equipment; ICU, intensive care unit; PACU, postoperative anesthesia care unit