Guidance for otolaryngology health care workers performing aerosol generating medical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic

Table 2 Summary of Personal Protective Equipment levels for Health Care Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic

Level 1 PPE	Level 2 PPE	Level 3 PPE
Surgical mask	N95/FFP2	PAPR or N95/FFP2 + surgical mask
Gown^b	Water impermeable gown	Gowns: 1. coverall +gown^a 2. water impermeable gown
Gloves	Double gloves	Double gloves
Face shield / goggles^b	Goggles / face shield	Goggles + (face shield)
Head cover (optional)	Head cover, including neck protection	Head cover, including neck protection

^aCoverall with integrated hood and boots is preferred over gown with separate boot and leg covers and head-neck cover, since it reduces the risk of self-contamination during doffing and will provide optimal protection. A single layer surgical water impermeable gown (AAMI level 4), with a surgical hood or PAPR, and separate boot and leg covers, will provide a similar level of protection. If surgical hoods and PAPRs are not available or cannot be used during the procedure, a surgical gown (AAMI level 4) with properly fitting head and neck cover and goggles will provide adequate protection. Coveralls have to be used in conjunction with a second sterile surgical gown, when used during surgery
^bGown and face shield/goggles are recommended when providing direct patient care to COVID-19 patients and optional for in office non-AGMPs in negative or low risk patients, and only advised if there is a risk of fluid spread

ISSN: 1916-0216