Guidance for wearing protective equipment

The Ministry of Health has released new guidance on protective equipment for people in essential jobs that may require physical or close contact.

If you can ensure more than 2 metre distance from people with potential COVID-19 symptoms and any surfaces or items they may touch – facemasks and gloves are not recommended.
If the nature of your job means you may touch surfaces or items also touched by people with potential COVID-19 symptoms, you may consider wearing gloves, however facemasks are still not recommended.
If you may be unable to maintain more than 2 metre contact distance from people with potential COVID-19 symptoms, facemasks and gloves are recommended when this contact is likely to occur.

In all situations, regular hand washing should continue.

These recommendations are a guide only and workplace settings should consider their ability to maintain the 2 metre rule. In general, surgical/medical masks prevent the dispersal of droplets by an infected patient and the inhalation of droplets if within 2 metre of a coughing individual.

If a customer or employee shows signs of being unwell such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should be politely encouraged to leave as soon as possible and to seek help by calling their GP (doctor) or call Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453.

More information on the use of facemasks and PPE (external link)