How NHS medics can now RE-USE masks and gowns
Controversial guidance issued to NHS doctors and nurses fighting the coronavirus crisis on the frontline have advised them to reuse PPE.
It said disposable gowns can be re-used and masks should not be binned between patients – but gloves and aprons should still be disposed of as usual.
Medics attacked the guidance, arguing no healthcare worker should risk their life without proper protection, while Labour urged Number 10 to fix the ongoing failure.
But health chiefs argued there is no other option because of the unprecedented shortages of gowns and Bcs Certification exams masks, saying: ‘These are exceptional circumstances.’
Public Health England, which issued the guidance, said it was in line with the World Health Organization’s guidance for optimising the supply of PPE.
Frontline NHS workers can be required to wear up to five or more pieces of protective gear at once when treating highly infectious COVID-19 patients.
So, what does it mean for medics fighting COVID-19? Here, MailOnline reveals what the new guidance says – and how long PPE can be used for.
Public Health England, which issued the guidance, said it was in line with the World Health Organization’s guidance optimising the supply of PPE