Guidance

COVID-19: infection prevention and control

Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19.

Published 10 January 2020
Last updated 13 March 2020 — see all updates

• From: Public Health England

Documents

Infection prevention and control guidance for pandemic coronavirus

PDF, 1.06MB, 49 pages

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COVID-19: quick guide for putting on (donning) personal protective equipment (PPE)

PDF, 1.35MB, 1 page

COVID-19: putting on (donning) personal protective equipment (PPE)

PDF, 1.69MB, 1 page

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COVID-19: quick guide for removal of (doffing) personal protective equipment (PPE)

PDF, 1020KB, 1 page

COVID-19: removal of (doffing) personal protective equipment (PPE)

PDF, 1.29MB, 1 page

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Details

This guidance outlines infection control for healthcare providers assessing possible cases of COVID-19. It should be used in conjunction with local policies.

In the absence of effective drugs or a vaccine, control of this disease relies on the prompt identification, appropriate risk assessment, management and isolation of possible and confirmed cases, and the investigation and follow up of close contacts to minimise potential onward transmission.

This video shows how to safely don (put on) PPE specific to COVID-19 and should be used in conjunction with the quick guide to donning PPE and local policies.

Video

This video shows how to safely doff (take off) PPE specific to COVID-19 and should be used in conjunction with the quick guide to doffing PPE and local policies.

Video

Published 10 January 2020
Last updated 13 March 2020 + show all updates

1. 13 March 2020

   Added 'Infection prevention and control guidance for pandemic coronavirus'.

2. 6 March 2020

   Changes to PPE and mask and respiratory recommendations for different situations; incorporated existing advice on safe use of point-of-care tests including blood gas machines and updated advice on IPC in operating theatres.

3. 3 March 2020

   Added quick guides and videos for donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).

4. 19 February 2020

   Added posters for donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

5. 14 February 2020

   Revised guidance.

6. 3 February 2020

   Updated section on 'Waste' with new information.

7. 31 January 2020

   Updated waste categorisation and terminology for novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

8. 15 January 2020

   Updated document with new edition.

9. 10 January 2020

   First published.