The UK Infection Prevention and Control guidance has been updated. Amendments have been made to strengthen existing messaging and provide further clarity where needed, including updates to the care pathways to recognise testing and exposure. Appendices to support the remobilisation and maintenance of dental, mental health and learning disability services have also been added. Following extensive clinical and scientific review, no changes to the recommendations have been made in response to the new variant strains at this stage, however this position will remain under constant review. All NHS organisations should ensure reliable application of all IPC recommendations and assurance on adherence, that PPE is available and in supply, and that all staff training is up to date.
Valved respirator masks
Previous guidance has confirmed valved non-shrouded FFP3 respirators should be worn with a full-face shield if blood or bodily fluid splashing is anticipated. This updated guidance clarifies that ‘valved respirators should not be worn by a healthcare worker/operator in sterile areas such as theatres/surgical settings or while undertaking a sterile procedure, such as central line insertion, as the exhaled breath is unfiltered’. In these settings, organisations have been advised to follow the approach of fit testing staff to one or more of the seven non-valved masks currently available. New fit testing should focus on non-3M models, in line with the ongoing national resilience strategy. No new 3M fit testing should take place.