Personal protective equipment for different areas of the hospital

Health care workers at the COVID-19 screening OPD should wear the following PPE:

• N95 mask: These masks block droplet transmission of infection and have good breathability to minimise discomfort when health workers wear them for several hours at a time.
• Goggles: These goggles need to be well-fitted, with a proper seal with the skin of the face.
• Gown (water-resistant): These gowns are impermeable to bodily fluids, including blood.
• Gloves (two pairs): Nitrile gloves are resistant to some chemicals and also useful for those who have a latex allergy. If these are not available, powder-free latex gloves may also be used.

Read more: 10 steps to put on and remove PPE for medical professionals

Health care workers who do the sample collection for suspected COVID-19 patients should wear the following PPE:

• N95 mask
• Goggles
• Gown (water-resistant)
• Gloves (two pairs)
• Shoe cover: These should also be made of a material that is impermeable to bodily fluids, including blood.
• Hood: This hood should cover the head and protect the neck. Hair and hair extensions should be tucked inside.

Health care workers who handle the samples of suspected COVID-19 patients in the laboratories should wear the following PPE:

• N95 mask
• Goggles or face shield
• Gown (water-resistant)
• Gloves (two pairs)

Health care workers who treat the patients of COVID-19 infection in an intensive care unit (ICU) should wear the following PPE:

• N95 mask
• Goggles or face shield
• Gown (water-resistant)
• Gloves (two pair)
• Shoe cover
• Hood

The sweepers and cleaners who clean the entire COVID-19 hospital including the isolation wards and COVID-19 ICU should wear the following PPE:

• N95 mask
• Goggles or face shield
• Gown (water-resistant)
• Heavy-duty gloves 
• Boots
• Hood

Read more: How useful are masks against COVID-19 and how to use them

Healthcare workers who take care of COVID-19 patients in the wards should wear the following PPE:

• N95 mask
• Goggles or face shield
• Gown (water-resistant)
• Gloves (two pair)
• Shoe cover
• Hood

Read more: COVID-19: Government guidelines for isolation wards

Healthcare workers who transport suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 to the hospital should wear the following PPE:

• N95 mask
• Goggles
• Gown (water-resistant)
• Gloves (two pair)

However, the driver of the COVID-19 ambulance just needs to put on a triple-layer mask for their protection.

Read more: How to take a patient to hospital: government guidelines

Healthcare workers who would be dealing with the bodies of deceased COVID-19 patients should wear the following PPE:

• N95 mask
• Goggles or face shield
• Gown (water-resistant)
• Gloves (two pair)
• Shoe cover
• Hood

Read more: COVID-19: Global best practices for proper disposal of dead bodies

Healthcare staff working in the rest of the hospital do not need to put on the entire PPE. Radiology and regular OPD departments should only wear a triple layer mask. The sanitation wing of the rest of the hospital should use heavy-duty gloves and triple-layer masks for their protection. The administration staff does not require any PPE as they do not come in contact with infected or suspected patients.