5.1

All staff must be trained in correct donning and doffing of PPE, including N95 “fitchecking”.

A registry of staff who have completed PPE education and fit checking should be maintained.

5.2

“Fit testing” is recommended when available, but the evidence for fit testing effectiveness is limited and the variation in supply of N95 mask types may make any recommendation on fit testing difficult to implement from a practical perspective.

5.3

Staff with beards should be encouraged to remove facial hair to ensure good mask fit.

5.4

For all suspected and confirmed cases, droplet precautions should be implemented, at a minimum. Staff must wear the following items:

· surgical mask

· fluid-resistant long-sleeved gown

· goggles or face shield

· gloves

5.5

Recommended PPE for staff caring for COVID-19-infected patients includes added precautions for patients with significant respiratory illness, when aerosol-generating procedures are likely and/or prolonged or very close contact with the patient is likely. In these cases, airborne precautions are followed, including:

· an N95/P2 mask

· fluid-resistant long-sleeved gown

· goggles or face shield

· gloves

5.6

In addition, the following can be considered:

· hair cover for aerosol-generating procedures

· shoes that are impermeable to liquids and can be wiped down

Recurrent use of shoe covers is not recommended, as repeated removal is likely to increase the risk of staff contamination.

5.7

PPE must remain in place and be worn correctly for the duration of exposure to potentially contaminated areas. PPE (particularly masks) should not be adjusted during patient care.

5.8

Use a step-by-step process for donning and doffing PPE as per local guidelines.

5.9

Changing into scrubs is recommended to staff and encouraged to get changed out of their uniform before leaving work and to transport worn uniforms home in a plastic bag for washing at home.