Background Staff and patient safety are of paramount importance while performing a surgical tracheostomy (ST) during the corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic . The aim was to assess the incidence of COVID-19 infection among the healthcare personnel (HCP) performing ST on COVID-19 patients . Methods One hundred and twenty-two HCP participating in 71 ST procedures performed at our institution between 26th March 2020 and 27th May 2020 were identified . A COVID-19 health questionnaire was distributed among staff with their consent . Data related to the presence of COVID-19 symptoms (new onset continuous cough, fever, loss of taste and/or loss of smell) among HCP involved in ST as well as patient related data were collected . Results Of the HCP who responded, eleven (15% ,11/72) reported key COVID-19 symptoms and went into self-isolation . Ten members from this group underwent a COVID-19 swab test and three tested positive . Only one HCP attended hospital for symptomatic treatment, none required hospitalisation . Sixty percent (43/72) of the responders had a COVID-19 antibody test with a positive rate of 18.6% (8/43). Among the patients undergoing a ST , 67% (37/55) required a direct intensive care unit (ICU) admission; the mean age was 58 years (29-78) with a male preponderance (65.5 %). The median time from intubation to ST was 15 days (range 5-33, IQR=9). The overall mortality was 11% (6/55). Conclusions ST can be carried out safely with strict adherence to both, personnel protective equipment and ST protocols which are vital to mitigate the potential transmission of COVID-19 to the HCP.