What personal protective equipment should healthcare providers wear when screening COVID-19 patients?

Healthcare providers should wear a complete PPE package including a gown, gloves, respirator or medical mask, and eye protection. This comprehensive equipment protects against viral transmission during patient screening and assessment procedures. Each component creates a barrier against respiratory droplets and aerosols.

Why is eye protection important when donning personal protective equipment for COVID-19?

Eye protection is critical because respiratory droplets can contact mucous membranes in the eyes during patient interaction. Including eye protection as part of the PPE package ensures complete barrier protection against potential viral exposure. Eyes represent a significant transmission route during COVID-19 screening and care activities.

What is the difference between a respirator and a medical mask in COVID-19 PPE?

Both respirators and medical masks provide respiratory protection, but the protocol allows either option depending on availability and clinical setting. The PPE package requires one of these devices as a core component to prevent inhalation of viral particles during patient contact and screening procedures.

When should healthcare providers put on personal protective equipment before entering a patient room?

Healthcare providers must don personal protective equipment before entering a patient room to establish a complete barrier before any potential exposure. Following proper donning personal protective equipment before entering a patient room procedures ensures maximum protection during COVID-19 screening and patient care activities.

What is the purpose of following a specific protocol for PPE use during COVID-19 screening?

A structured PPE protocol ensures consistent, effective protection for healthcare providers and prevents contamination during patient screening and assessment. Proper procedures for donning and doffing equipment reduce infection risk and maintain a safe clinical environment during COVID-19 patient care activities.

How does proper PPE use support infection control in COVID-19 patient care?

Appropriate PPE creates a protective barrier against respiratory droplets and aerosols, preventing viral transmission to healthcare providers. The complete PPE package of gown, gloves, respirator or medical mask, and eye protection collectively minimizes infection risk during COVID-19 screening and clinical procedures.

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Healthcare Providers

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1. Follow these steps when donning, or putting on, the PPE:

NOTE: Open shoes are prohibited. Use boot covers if they are available. If available, please use a disposable cap to cover long hair.

Visually inspect the PPE ensemble for any damage.
Slide your arms inside the sleeves of the fluid-resistant, non-sterile disposable isolation gown. You may use a gown with a thumb hole located at the wrist area. Put your thumb through this hole to make sure that there is no visible skin between the sleeves and gloves. Then, tie the gown at the back to secure it around your body.
Hold the N95 respirator mask in the palm of your hands facing down, letting the straps dangle to the floor. Place the respirator mask around your nose and mouth, secure the top strap at the crown of your head and bring the bottom strap below the ears to the base of your neck. Mold the nose piece around the bridge of your nose until it is secure.
Place goggles or a face shield around your eyes and secure them. Make sure the eye protection covers the front and sides of your face. Alternatively, select a surgical mask with a face shield and apply it over your nose and mouth. Cuff the elastic bands around your ears and spread the mask to cover your face from the bridge of your nose to your chin.
Slide latex or nitrile gloves onto your hands, pulling them over the sleeves of your gown. Make sure that your wrists are covered and that no skin is visible.

2. After patient care, you are contaminated and should take the following steps to take off the PPE:

While still in the isolation room, remove your gloves using the glove-to-glove/skin-to-skin technique.
1. Grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist, making sure to not touch your bare skin.
2. Peel the glove away from your body, pulling it inside out.
3. Peel off the second glove by putting your fingers inside the glove at the top of your wrist.
4. Turn the second glove inside out while pulling it away from your body, leaving the first glove inside the second.
5. Dispose of the gloves safely.
Untie your gown strap and pull the gown off carefully, away from your body. Roll off the sleeves, taking care to avoid contaminating yourself. Then, roll the gown up into a ball before disposing of it.
Prior to removing your eye protection, clean your hands by rubbing all hand surfaces with a 70% alcohol hand sanitizer.
Lean forward and gently remove the googles or face shield, avoiding contact with your body.
After leaving the isolation area, take off your mask by grabbing it from behind. Pull the bottom strap off first and then the top strap.
Clean your hands once again with a 70% alcohol hand sanitizer or with a proper handwashing method.