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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-ppe-guide-for-unpaid-carers/covid-19-ppe-guide-for-unpaid-carers-text-only-version

This guide outlines personal protective equipment (PPE) advice for unpaid carers who do not live with the person they care for. Other unpaid carers may also choose to use this guide. It should be used alongside local policies where they exist such as in care homes or day centres.

Unpaid carers who do not live with the person or people they care for can sign up to the PPE Portal to access free PPE for their COVID-19 needs. Contact your local authority or local resilience forum for further information.

Some people with particular care needs such as dementia or autism, or who are older or frail, may not show the typical symptoms but may express feeling unwell with changes in behaviour and communication.

All of the following help to reduce the risk of infection spread:

You don’t have to social distance but you and the person you care for may still want to, it is up to you both.

Carers are encouraged to wear a face mask when providing care. This is sometimes referred to as universal masking or source control. It is a means of preventing spread of infection from the mask wearer.

See other examples of when you would want to consider wearing a mask in the guidance on living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19.

This resource does not cover other infections, seek advice from a health professional as needed.

This is additional guidance to your normal care practices. It provides advice on the recommended use of PPE during the current phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below are 3 common scenarios you might encounter. For each we describe what PPE you should wear.

Providing personal care or cleaning the room of someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Caring for someone who does not have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and potential contact with blood or body fluids is likely.

Caring for someone who does not have suspected or confirmed COVID-19, and contact with blood or body fluids is not likely.

For other tasks within 2 metres of someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, you should wear a type IIR surgical mask (fluid repellant) and eye protection. If you think you are likely to come into contact with blood or body fluids you should also wear gloves and an apron.

If the person you are caring for has any symptoms of infection such as a cough or high temperature or has tested positive for COVID-19 follow scenario 1.

If the person you are caring for has any symptoms of infection such as a cough or high temperature or has tested positive for COVID-19 follow scenario 1.

You should wear appropriate PPE when caring for all individuals you care for:

There are several types of surgical mask. Type I and type II surgical masks have multiple layers of non-woven material. They are suitable for tasks in scenario 3. They are not fluid resistant.

Type IIR surgical masks have 4 layers of non-woven material, one of these layers is fluid resistant. Type IIR surgical masks should be worn when splashing with blood or body fluids is likely. They should also be worn when caring for, or cleaning the room of a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (see scenarios 1 and 2).

Type IIR surgical masks protect you by providing a fluid repellent barrier to spray or droplets produced by the person you are caring for (for example, when they cough or sneeze).

Type I, II and IIR surgical masks all protect the person you are caring for from secretions or droplets from your mouth, nose and lungs.

If your clothing becomes splashed with blood or body fluids we recommend that you launder it as soon as possible:

Please speak to a healthcare professional if you need further advice.

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

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