26/02/2021
WHO Severity definitions :
• Critical COVID-19:
Defined by the criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, septic shock, or other conditions that would normally require the provision of life- sustaining therapies such as mechanical ventilation (invasive or non-invasive) or vasopressor therapy.
• Severe COVID-19:
Defined by any of:
o Oxygen saturation < 90% on room air.
o Respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min in adults and children > 5 years old; ≥ 60
breaths/min in children < 2 months old; ≥ 50 in children 2–11 months old; and ≥ 40 in
children 1–5 years old.
o Signs of severe respiratory distress (accessory muscle use, inability to complete full
sentences, and, in children, very severe chest wall indrawing, grunting, central
cyanosis, or presence of any other general danger signs).
• Non-severe COVID-19: Defined as absence of any criteria for severe or critical COVID-19.
