DHSC message regarding mask use.
We have become aware of some confusion about the wearing of face masks in all adult social care settings, including domiciliary care, extra care housing and care homes.
The updated guidance balances the risk of COVID-19 in care settings – maintaining protections for care recipients who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 and taking into account the environment (care homes tend to be less well ventilated and are closed settings where infection can amplify quickly into an outbreak); whilst as far as possible removing restrictions to the lives of staff and care recipients.
Face masks continue to be recommended for all staff working in an adult social care setting, regardless of job role, for source control.
Masks are not routinely recommended for care workers when outdoors. As per the guidance, care staff should consider wearing face masks if supporting people in indoor public spaces outside of a care setting, following a risk assessment.
Links to the guidance here for ease:
Infection prevention and control in adult social care settings (includes the Infection Prevention and Control: Resource for adult social care and a quick guide for care workers)
Infection prevention and control in adult social care: COVID-19 supplement (includes the COVID-19 supplement to the infection prevention and control resource and a summary of changes)
