Respiratory droplets can land in the upper respiratory tract. Alternatively, droplets can land on face and, the next time you touch your face or eye, you can infect yourself. Thus, even if an appropriate mask and glasses are worn, safe distance should be kept.[1]

We are all aware of that influenza virus is spread in a similar way. One study showed that, when the healthcare workers were within 1.8 m of patients with influenza, the risk of being infected increased.[2] Besides, recent studies from China revealed the importance of safe distance.[3,4]

The operator and patient distance is an important issue during this pandemic. Despite D-class protection during angiographic procedures are worn and safe distance to patient shall be kept away as much as possible.[3-5] Recent studies have suggested that secure distance without protection measures is 1.5 m, when a patient is infected or suspected with novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Every safety measure must be taken. During coronary angiography, an isolated angiography room with negative pressure must be selected, and protective garments and masks must be worn. If the radial route is preferred, distance between the operator and patient poses a risk for contamination. Therefore, the femoral route, which is the one with furthest possible distance, should be preferred during angiographic procedures.

Declaration of conflicting interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.

1) Chen W, Wang Q, Li YQ, Yu HL, Xia YY, Zhang ML, et al. [Early containment strategies and core measures for prevention and control of novel coronavirus pneumonia in China]. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2020;54:239-44.

2) Bischoff WE, Swett K, Leng I, Peters TR. Exposure to influenza virus aerosols during routine patient care. J Infect Dis 2013;207:1037-46.

3) Wang Q, Yu C. The role of masks and respirator protection against SARS-CoV-2. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2020;41:746-7.

4) Mavioğlu HL, Ünal EU, Aşkın G, Küçüker ŞA, Özatik MA. Perioperative planning for cardiovascular operations in the COVID-19 pandemic. Turk Gogus Kalp Dama 2020;28:236-43.

5) Kamer E, Çolak T. What to Do When A Patient Infected With COVID-19 Needs An Operation: A Pre-surgery, Peri-surgery and Post-surgery Guide. Turk J Colorectal Dis 2020;30:1-8.