The majority of staff will not require personal protective equipment (PPE) beyond what they would normally need for their work. PPE is only needed in a very small number of circumstances:
if providing care to a resident whose care routinely already involves the use of PPE
if there is a known risk of contamination of blood or body fluids from the resident (regardless of their COVID-19 status)
if providing care to someone displaying symptoms or who has had a positive test, and close contact cannot be avoided
if spending prolonged time (greater than 15 minutes) at closer than 2 metres distance from someone displaying symptoms or who has had a positive test
PPE should include a fluid-repellent surgical mask, single use disposable apron, single use disposable gloves, and eye protection if appropriate following a risk assessment about the risk of splashing into the face or eyes. Further information on what PPE to wear and when is available. It is also important to make sure staff put PPE on and take PPE off safely to avoid self-contamination. Providers should use their local supply chains to obtain PPE. If they cannot obtain the PPE they need they should approach their local authority, who should support them to access PPE. If the local authority is not able to meet the PPE needs of providers, the local authority should approach their nearest LRF. If neither the local authority or LRF are able to respond to an unmet urgent need for PPE, providers will need to make a judgement in line with their risk assessment as to whether it is safe to continue to operate.