The Government website provides specific and useful information for care workers working in care homes and in the community on how to stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis.
Here’s an extract from a section entitled ‘How does PPE protect me?’, but we recommend that all apprentices who are working on the frontline check the website regularly to get the latest advice and guidance for their provision.
How does PPE protect me?
Gloves – protect you from picking up the COVID-19 virus from the environment (such as contaminated surfaces) or directly from people with COVID-19. Disposable gloves must be worn when providing direct care and when exposure to body fluids is likely. Disposable gloves are single use and must be disposed of immediately after completion of a procedure or task and after each resident, followed by hand hygiene. Care must be taken not to touch the face, mouth or eyes when wearing gloves.
Disposable plastic aprons – protect your uniform or clothes from contamination when providing care. Disposable plastic aprons must be worn when providing direct care and when exposure to body fluids is likely. Disposable plastic aprons are single use and must be disposed of immediately after completion of a procedure or task and after each resident, followed by hand hygiene.
Surgical masks – The aim of wearing a face mask is to protect your mouth and nose from a resident’s respiratory secretions. Wearing a face mask also protects residents by minimising the risk of passing on infection from yourself (via secretions or droplets from your mouth, nose and lungs) to residents when you are caring for them. Protection can be used continuously while providing care, until you need to take a break from duties. Eye protection must be decontaminated between uses.
There is lots more information on the Gov.uk Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do page. It is updated frequently, so make sure you’re checking it regularly.