Rational use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Guidance from the WHO, CDC and Public Health England on use of PPE in different situations.

When to use a surgical face mask or FFP3 respirator

When caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, all healthcare workers need to - prior to any patient interaction - assess the infectious risk posed to themselves and wear the appropriate PPE to minimise that risk.

Source: Public Health England

Understanding the difference between face masks and respirators

Source: CDC

Recommendations on face mask use in community settings

Source: The Lancet

World Health Organisation: Rational use of personal protective equipment (‎PPE)‎ for coronavirus disease (‎COVID-19)‎: interim guidance

Published 19 March 2020

Recommended personal PPE during the outbreak of COVID-19 outbreak, according to the setting, personnel, and type of activity:

Author: Dr Daniel Livingstone, MedShr - Health Education England Fellow