PPE Plan COVID-19 Western Cape
/PPE Plan COVID-19 Western Cape
Guidelines For PPE Use During The Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) Western Cape Government: Health
Please see our recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for specific situations, to protect our staff, patients and visitors against exposure to the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Each situation staff may be placed in has a different risk of exposure, so the recommendations are designed to ensure that the most appropriate and effective PPE is used in each situation.
The guidelines apply to all clinical staff (such as nursing assistants, nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dentists, oral hygienists, radiographers), non-clinical staff (such as administrative staff, cleaners, porters, catering staff and security), ambulance staff and community health workers who may come into contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Coronavirus Transmission
The SARS-CoV-2 virus (coronavirus) is spread by respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus can be transmitted from infected people by cough and sneeze droplets, which land on surfaces and hands. Further transmission can occur via physical contact such as shaking hands, or touching contaminated surfaces.
General Measures To Protect Against Infection
These general measures to prevent infection should always be followed. PPE is then used in addition, when required. Transmission can be greatly reduced by an increased frequency of hand hygiene using the “WHO 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene”.
Cough and sneeze into a flexed elbow, or into a tissue (then place it in a bin and wash your hands).
Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser after patient contact and after contact with frequently touched surfaces (e.g. keyboards, screens, phones, door handles, work surfaces).
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid handshakes or physical contact – greet people in other ways
Keep a safe distance from other people (at least 1 metre) whenever possible (social-distancing).
Frequently touched surfaces and equipment in clinical areas should be cleaned and disinfected twice daily.
Remove your work clothes at the workplace and place in a plastic bag. Clean with warm wash at home. Or else remove your work clothes immediately when you get home and place them in a washing basket. Wash your hands after removal of clothes.
