The September edition of the JHI features new research into the impact of penicillin allergy records on antibiotic costs and length of hospital stay, the effect of plastic and silicone oil on microbial biofilm formation, and perceptions of patients' and healthcare workers' experiences in cohort isolation units. Our review section presents work on health economics this month, with a systematic review of the economic benefits of surgical site infection prevention in adults, and an economic analysis of healthcare-associated infection prevention and control interventions in medical and surgical units. We continue to publish work on the COVID-19 pandemic. This month there are a number of papers contributing to our understanding of COVID-19 in healthcare workers. A paper from China identified that amongst healthcare workers touching the face was the superfactor in infection, whilst wearing face masks correctly was protective. A paper by Martin et al makes a case for universal screening in high-risk units. Other papers to highlight include a review of dry heat and microwave-generated steam protocols for the rapid decontamination of respiratory PPE in response to COVID-19-related shortages, and a commentary reminding us of the potential role of nurses in maintaining antibiotic stewardship during the pandemic.