Always wear a face mask

The new guidance for PPE in health and social care is to always wear a face mask.

New PPE guidance was released on the 28th of April 2020 regarding PPE

in health and social care.

The continuing transmission of COVID-19 has driven a requirement to wear face masks at all times within care homes and other personal care facilities.

This is a requirement for all care homes regardless of whether there are symptomatic residents or not.

Guidance on PPE in Health and Social Care

Updated guidance regarding face masks in care homes 

Face masks must be worn at all times

Always wear a face mask regardless of whether you’re dealing with residents with symptoms of COVID-19 or not. 

A face mask must be worn for all instances of personal care of a resident, whatever the requirement is whether it be assisting with dressing, bathing, feeding, medical care such as new dressings. 

You need to be prepared as well at all times for a call to assist or a resident with challenging behaviour may demand close personal care without warning.

It is necessary to wear a face mask at all times and during all tasks that require you to be within the recommended social distancing of 2 metres. This includes when no physical contact with residents takes place such as, social activities, cleaning, document writing etc.

You do not need to change your face mask in between residents even after dealing with patients demonstrating symptoms of COVID-19.

PPE in Care Homes

NHS PPE

First Responders PPE

PPE for Aerosol Generating Procedures

Dentistry PPE

PPE for the Deaf

Face Mask Replacement

You must replace your face mask and discard according to guidelines in the light of any of the following:

• If your face mask is damaged 
• If it gets soiled (e.g. with secretions, body fluids) 
• If it gets damp 
• If uncomfortable 
• If difficult to breathe through

It is also crucial to ensure your face mask is worn correctly at all times in line with PPE in health and social care guidance.

Your face mask must be worn across your mouth.

Your face mask must only be removed if you go for a break from care duties. It is also essential that it is discarded in the appropriate waste and replaced with a new one on your return to duty.

Wash your hands and avoid touching your face, use gloves and aprons in accordance with COVID-19 infection prevention guidelines.

Dispose of your face masks according to guidance at the end of every shift and ensure you adhere to the guidance laid out on PPE in Health and Social Care to protect yourself and your patients from COVID-19.

As advised by government guidelines