RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USAGE OF SURGICAL TRIPLE LAYER MASK/ RESPIRATORS

Fonte: INTERNATIONAL PULMONOLOGIST’S CONSENSUS ON COVID-19

Chief Editors

Dr. Tinku Joseph (India), Dr. Mohammed Ashkan Moslehi (Iran)

1. Asymptomatic individuals wearing masks of any type is not recommended

2. Wearing masks when they are not indicated results in unnecessary cost and a procurement burden especially during the time of an epidemic/pandemic

3. People with respiratory symptoms or who are taking care of COVID-19 patients at home should receive triple layer surgical masks. [57-59]

4. Respirators(N95, FFP2 or equivalent standard) should be reserved for aerosol generating procedures (Tracheal intubation, non-invasive ventilation, tracheostomy, bronchoscopy and cardio pulmonary resuscitation) along with other personal protective equipments (PPE)

5. Health care workers who are involved in direct care of COVID -19 patients should use three layered surgical mask/ Respirator (only if available in sufficient quantity) and

other PPE (eye protection, gloves and gowns/fluid resistant aprons)

6. Medical and Nursing staff involved in Intensive care unit should use Respirators( N95/FFP2 or an equivalent)

7. During the present pandemic situation respirators (e.g., N95, FFP2 or equivalent standard) can be used for an extended time, especially while caring for multiple patients who have the same diagnosis without removing it. Evidence shows that respirators maintain their protection when it is been used for extended periods. [57-59]

8. Always prioritize the use of N95 respirators for those personnel at the highest risk of contracting infections.

9. Most often an N95 mask can be used for up to 8hours on a continuous or intermittent basis and ideally it needs to be removed after that.

10. Avoid touching the inside of the respirator. If inadvertent contact is made with the inside of the respirator, perform hand hygiene.

11. Used mask should be considered as a potentially infected material and it should be disposed separately in an infectious waste disposable bag.

12. Health care system at every locality should adopt appropriate steps for disposal of used masks. [63]

INTERNATIONAL PULMONOLOGIST’S CONSENSUS ON COVID-19

Chief Editors

Dr. Tinku Joseph (India), Dr. Mohammed Ashkan Moslehi (Iran)