AHS does not have any fraudulent N95s in its supply; however, this notice underscores the risk of attempts to secure personal supplies for own use. Please do not bring your own PPE to work, and be advised of significant risks of relying on potentially fraudulent PPE in any setting. Read the Health Canada advisory.
Continuous Masking and Eye Protection|PPE Basics|COVID-19|Specific Practice Locations/Situations Recommendations |Patient or Visitor PPE information
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical to the health and safety of all healthcare workers, as well as the patients we care for.
The proper and appropriate use of all PPE is essential to ensuring that we have the supply of PPE that we need, for all providers who need it.
Information and supports on this page will help care providers in using PPE appropriately, and confidently.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, AHS has a continuous masking directive in place, as well as a requirement for continuous eye protection in AHS settings where frequent or unanticipated exposures to COVID-19 may occur.
Continuous Masking
Continuous masking is a requirement in accordance with the Directive: Use of Masks During COVID-19. This continuous masking strategy is in addition to use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of droplet and contact precautions. These guidelines will help you in your appropriate use of continuous masking.
Continuous Eye Protection
Continuous eye protection must be maintained in AHS settings where frequent or unanticipated exposures to COVID-19 may occur.
Continuous eye protection will also remain in place in settings that are initial points of contacts for patients or the public, and for those working in areas where there is a greater risk of spread of the virus.
These include:
Eye protection must be utilized as part of Modified Respiratory Precautions, and Contact and Droplet Precaution or as directed by your Point of Care Risk Assessment.
Eye protection is now optional in all other areas and situations.
We each have a role to play in protecting each other – our patients, staff, physicians and volunteers. We thank all staff and physicians for continuing to follow this guidance, as we strive to provide exemplary care to all Albertans.
IPC measures are based on currently available scientific evidence and guidelines and are subject to review and change as new information becomes available.
This list of Aerosol-Generating Medical Procedures (AGMPs) is based on current evidence. This list is subject to an ongoing review process, and will be updated accordingly. Please continue to revisit this list, as guidance may evolve.
The daily series - PPE Tip of the Day – features quick and simple reminders you can take forward into your practice, from shift to shift. If you have any questions about the tips, or suggestions for new tips, please email ppe@ahs.ca.
PPE Task Force: Fit Testing Update
May 1, 2020
PAPRs & CAPRs Will Not Be Deployed As PPE for COVID-19 Response
April 11, 2020
Use of N95 Respirators for Patients Without COVID-19
April 7, 2020, revised September 24, 2020
Bringing My Own PPE to Work
April 4, 2020
For any questions or further information about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Alberta, please email ppe@ahs.ca.
