In recognising the high levels of infection amongst health care workers, DHHS has stepped up the requirements for those working in the community services sector, including the recent announcement that disability workers in residential services must make daily attestations to confirm they are well and symptom-free.

P2/N95 masks are now required for a client who has coronavirus risk factors (suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, or close contact of a confirmed case) when providing direct contact care/support for prolonged periods, or where there are aerosol-generating procedures or behaviours. In their updated advice, DHHS step out new guidance, including:

• putting on and removing PPE;
• fit checking for a P2/N95 mask;
• correct disposal and;
• the types of PPE to use in confirmed and non-confirmed cases.

All staff and volunteers who are required to use a P2/N95 respirator/mask must be trained in how to use them, including how to do a fit check. How to do a fit check correctly is outlined on page 4 and 5 of the updated document dated 4 September. Additional details including the role of the supervisor and staff breaks have also been included in this update.

In coming weeks, further infection prevention and control training will be made available through NDS. Please let us know if there are any particular aspects of infection control that you would like included. Email your suggestions to submit enquiry/feedback with the title, Training.

NDS is also interested in hearing from service providers having difficulty obtaining P2/N95 respirator/masks.