On 10 June 2021 the Infection Control Expert Group released revised guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19.
Healthcare workers providing direct patient care or working within the patient zone for individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should have access to P2/N95 respirators.
For these healthcare workers, the choice between P2/N95 respirator or surgical mask should be based on an assessment of the risk of transmission.
The risk assessment should include whether there is known community transmission of COVID-19, the individual patient’s pre-existing likelihood of COVID-19 and individual patient factors.
All jurisdictions have their own guidelines in determining the risk of COVID-19, which in turn guides the level of PPE healthcare workers need when treating patients.
If a healthcare worker has determined they require a P2/N95 respirator, the healthcare worker should be appropriately trained in the use of a P2/N95 respirator.
This includes fit-testing and complying with any jurisdictional requirements for appropriate P2/N95 respirator use.
Further information on fit testing is available from health websites for each jurisdiction. In situations where fit testing has not yet been carried out, and a P2/N95 respirator is recommended for use, it is preferred to use a fit-checked P2/N95 respirator rather than a surgical mask.