Changes to the universal use of face masks in adult social care for COVID-19 and COVID-19 outbreak management in care homes
Updated guidance can be found here:
COVID-19 supplement to the infection prevention and control resource for adult social care – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
PPE COVID-19 PPE guide for adult social services and settings
PPE guidance for unpaid carers
Click here for the updated testing guidance
Click here for the mask wearing, outbreak management and COVID testing Q&A
Risk-based use of masks across adult social care
Guidance has been amended to support a risk-based approach to face mask use across adult social care. This replaces previous guidance that stated ‘face masks should be worn at all times across adult social care’.
Updated guidance states: Care workers and visitors to care homes do not routinely need to wear a face mask in care settings or when providing care in people’s own homes.
However, there are certain circumstances where it is recommended for staff and visitors to wear a face mask to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
These are:
- if a person being cared for is known or suspected to have COVID-19 (staff and visitors are recommended to wear a Type IIR fluid-repellent surgical mask)
- if a COVID-19 outbreak has been identified within a care home
- if a care recipient would prefer care workers or visitors to wear a mask while providing them with care
Providers should also support the personal preferences of care workers and visitors who wish to wear a mask.
Type IIR face masks should always be worn if there is a risk of splashing of blood or body fluids.