Table 1.

Summary of recommendations for patients, providers, and health systems dealing with RHD in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic

1. Patients living with RHD should, to the best of their ability, follow the basic infection control recommendations provided by the World Health Organization as well as their local and national governments.

2. Patients living with RHD should continue to take all prescribed cardiac medications, including those classified as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).

3. Governments should recognize the need for secondary prophylaxis and ensure that patients with RHD receive medical clearance/approval to be on the road.

4. Health authorities should prioritize RHD secondary prophylaxis clinics as essential care and strive to have no interruption of prophylaxis delivery.

5. Providers should consider giving oral penicillin prophylaxis as a temporary solution for patients who are unable to reliably receive intramuscular BPG.

6. Providers should put in place a care plan for patients whose surgery has been delayed due to COVID-19 constraints including developing robust systems for prioritization.