Prevention & Control of COVID-19 Transmission

Prevention: Proper handwashing and hand hygiene practices

• Alcohol-based hand rub must contain at least 60% alcohol o hands should be washes frequently and thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds)

• Wash or sanitize hands before putting PPE on,and after PPE removal

• Proper Use of Face Masks

• Make sure face mask covers your mouth and nose o Remove face mask touching only the straps

• Do not touch your face mask or face

• Do not wear your mask on the top of your head or around your neck 

• Do not store your mask on your arm or in your pocket

• Clean your hands before you put  on and take off face mask

• Eye Protection

• Personal eyeglasses and contact lenses are NOT considered adequate eye protection.

• Put on eye protection (i.e., goggles or a disposable face shield that covers the front and sides of the face) upon entry to the patients' home.

• Remove eye protection before leaving the patients' home

• Reusable eye protection (e.g., goggles) must be cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturer's reprocessing instructions prior to re-use.

• Disposable eye protection should be properly discarded after use.

• Glove Procedures

• Wash or sanitize hands before putting on gloves.

• Put on clean, non-sterile gloves upon entry into the patients' home. o Change gloves if they become torn or heavily contaminated.

• Remove and discard gloves when leaving the patients' home.

• Disposable Gown Procedures

• Put on a clean isolation gown upon entry into the patient home. o Change the gown if it becomes soiled.

• Discard the gown after use.

• Proper PPE doffing (removal) and disposal

• Remove PPE outside the patient's home and discard outside of the home.

• Used PPE should not be taken away from the patient's home, taken on public transit, or placed in the HCP's vehicle.

• WASH HANDS OR USE AN ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITIZER IMMEDIATELY AFTER REMOVING  ALL PPE