The COVID-19/SARS-CoV2 pandemic has highlighted concerns regarding disease transmission to both surgeons and assisting staff during procedures that generate droplets and aerosols. Aerosol and droplet formation is known to occur during otologic and lateral skull base surgery, particularly when powered instrumentation is used. This expert panel will review both the basic science and clinical studies regarding risk identification. Recommendations regarding minimization of these risks will be thoroughly discussed in both scientific and practical terms that can be utilized by practicing Otolaryngologists in real-life scenarios. Additionally the panel will address controversies regarding these risks and mitigation schemes, and address real-life situations utilizing case based examples relevant to both the General Otolaryngologist and Neurotologic specialist. The discussion will focus not only on mitigation of spread of SARS-CoV2 virus but also on other currently identified pathogens of the middle ear and mastoid and future threats. This panel will also address emerging pathogens that have not yet become threats in the United States and Western Europe but which have affected Otolaryngologists in other areas of the world and also provide guidance for other current and novel future threats that have not yet presented in clinical practice. This panel is highly relevant to practicing Otolaryngologists, including General Otolaryngologists, Pediatric Otolaryngologists, and Neurotologists, and will provide the attendee with a thorough update clinical practice patterns, potential spread of contagion and strategies of spread mitigation.