*3.1. Recommendation 1: Regular Patient-to-Nurse Ratio*

When able to, recommend nursing staffing (1:1 or 1:2) in the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide high-quality patient care, improve safety, have fewer complications, and better outcomes (Figure 3). This should be followed until such time that the surge is felt. At that time, progression to Recommendation 2 will be made.

**Figure 3.** Standard ICU staffing model. (1 ICU-trained nurse: 2 patients).
