Updated Comprehensive PPE Guidance

Written By Jill White

Dear Colleagues,

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is sharing updated Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance. DPH is updating this guidance to:

  • Create greater flexibility to allow extended use of eye protection to align with CDC PPE use guidance issued at the end of September. DPH has clarified that reusable eye protection does not need to be cleaned in-between each patient encounter but as directed by the manufacturer and any time it is removed.

  • Update aerosol-generating procedure precautions based upon continued high levels of community spread. Providers must don N95 respirators or alternatives to perform these procedures unless there is a COVID-19 test within the past three days or the patient has recovered from COVID-19 within the past three months.

  • Clarify that this guidance applies to EMS personnel and home health workers in community settings.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to your staff and patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you,
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Jill White
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