Rational use of personal protective equipment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

This document summarizes WHO recommendations for the rational use of personal protective equipment (PPE), in health care and community settings, including the handling of cargo. This document is intended for those involved in the distribution and management of PPE, as well as public health authorities and individuals in health care and community settings to understand when PPE use is most appropriate.

Background

This document summarizes WHO’s recommendations for the rational use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in health care and community settings, as well as during the handling of cargo; in this context, PPE includes gloves, medical masks, goggles or a face shield, and gowns, as well as for specific procedures, respirators (i.e. N95 or FFP2 standard or equivalent) and aprons. It is intended for those involved in distributing and managing PPE, as well as public health authorities and individuals in health care and community settings, and it provides information about when PPE use is most appropriate.

WHO will continue update these recommendations as new information becomes available.

Rational use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF, 762.4 KB)