Question Period Note: Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Why isn’t the Government recommending PPE, including N-95 masks, for all front-line workers?

• The appropriate use of personal protective equipment or PPE is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Experts in infection prevention and control are providing advice on the appropriate use of PPE in health care settings. This includes point of care risk assessment by health care workers so that the right PPE is used in the right situations.
• Guidance evolves as science provides more information on COVID-19 transmission.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada updates its guidance whenever new information emerges so that health care workers are informed by current evidence.
• The Government of Canada emphasizes that, for all Canadians, physical distancing, hand hygiene and wearing a non-medical mask are effective ways to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
• We encourage Canadians and businesses to:

o Follow their local public health authority’s advice on the use of PPE and non-medical masks; and
o Follow the advice of provincial and territorial environmental authorities and municipalities on their proper disposal.

Canadian public health guidance related to COVID-19 has been adjusted as the evidence base and our understanding of COVID-19 evolves.

Healthcare workers need medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure masks and N95 respirators. It is extremely important that we have enough supply of medical masks for healthcare workers where they are needed for medical procedures and to care for individuals who have COVID-19.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings
The Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) interim guidance on infection prevention and control in acute healthcare settings is being updated to ensure we provide comprehensive recommendations based on the best available evidence. The guidance emphasizes the need for environmental and administrative controls in facilities to protect healthcare workers and patients, as well as the fundamental importance of training in the use of PPE.

In technical guidance, PHAC recommends that all healthcare workers in acute health care settings wear medical masks and eye protection/face shields for the full duration of a shift. Wearing a medical mask throughout the duration of a shift is an important measure to help reduce the risk of transmission from a healthcare worker to a patient. This recommendation applies to healthcare workers who are in direct contact with patients, as well as environmental services staff working in patient care areas. In addition, any healthcare workers who have COVID 19-related symptoms should immediately go home and only return to work following the advice of their local public health units.

Healthcare workers should refer to their province or territory’s guidance, as well as facility policies on the use of masks, eye protection, and other PPE, including any PPE conservation strategies that are in place.

PPE may be a component of infection prevention efforts in non-healthcare workplaces. However, the choice and use of PPE is based on occupational health and safety advice specific to the job and workplace. PHAC provides information to help employers and employees determine what infection prevention and control measures, which might include PPE, are necessary in their workplaces.

Environmental impacts from increased PPE usage
Increased PPE use is creating more PPE waste, which is not currently recyclable or biodegradable.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, a number of federal initiatives are investing in PPE technology advancements. These advancements, such as innovative solutions to disposable masks and gowns, will help reduce the amount of PPE waste from both medical and non-medical settings. The government also continues to work with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of the Ministers of the Environment (CCME) to explore how PPE waste can be diverted away from landfills.
Provinces, territories and local governments are also providing vital leadership in developing programs to reduce litter, prevent plastic pollution and recover materials through recycling services and material depots.

SYNOPSIS
Public health advice on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has evolved with the scientific evidence on transmission. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) develops and updates guidance on infection prevention and control for acute health care settings and long-term care facilities. PHAC has also provided advice to workplaces and businesses on how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections in the workplace, which may include the use of PPE.
IF PRESSED ON USE OF NON-MEDICAL MASKS FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS:

• Healthcare workers need medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure masks and N95 respirators.