Using Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
In addition to the application of standard precautions, hand hygiene, and isolation of the individual with COVID-19 in the home, healthcare providers caring for patients who are positive for COVID-19, must also use PPE appropriately to prevent the spread of infection, while providing patient care. When caring for a patient who is COVID-19 positive in the home, healthcare providers should have the following PPE on hand:
- Isolation gown
- NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirator or higher (use a facemask if a respirator is not available)
- Face shield or goggles
- Gloves
Before donning PPE, perform hand hygiene using at least 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer (or soap and water if sanitizer is not available or hands are visibly soiled). PPE should be donned before entering the isolation room (or home if the patient resides alone) of the patient according to home health agency policy. When removing PPE, always take off the gown facing away from the body. Dispose of all PPE in a garbage bag, seal the bag and remove from the home hold the bag away from the body. Hand hygiene using at least 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer (or soap and water if sanitizer is not available or hands are visibly soiled) should always be performed after removing PPE.