The Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) is calling for the consistent use of particulate filter respirators (PFRs), not surgical masks, in healthcare environments where COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed.

In its latest position statement, the use of particulate filter respirators (PFR) masks for the management of COVID-19 in healthcare settings, ACIPC challenges current Australian IPC guidelines, which recommend surgical masks as standard PPE.

Evidence confirms that COVID-19 is transmitted through both droplets and airborne particles, especially in enclosed spaces and during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). Healthcare workers and healthcare consumers face significant risk without appropriate respiratory protection.

The College recommends:

• Recognising the significant risk of airborne/inhalation transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare settings.
• The use of PFR masks over surgical masks to better prevent airborne/inhalation transmission.
• Consistent use of PFR masks in healthcare environments with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• A revision of national IPC guidelines to reflect evidence on airborne risks and support PFR mask usage.

Hands-On Infection Control supports this latest position statement and has always and will continue to recommend the use of PFRs over surgical masks for the management of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 positive individuals, unless future evidence demonstrates otherwise.

Read the full Position Statement https://www.acipc.org.au/position-statement-on-pfr-masks-in-covid-19-management/