From Division of Health Care Quality: Update on N95 Masks, PPE Supplies

March 10, 2020 | Corona Virus

The Division of Health Care Quality issued the following guidance and on the use and availability of N95 masks, as well as the state’s PPE supply.

The routine use of N95 respirators is not being recommended at this time but are crucial for healthcare workers and people who are taking care of someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. To this date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the State of Delaware or our surrounding states. Therefore, the State of Delaware is recommending that the routine use of N95 respirators be up to each agency’s infection control designated officer.

The State of Delaware has a large supply of barrier-style facemasks (e.g., surgical, procedural). These masks are available, and it is recommended that one should be placed on any patient (if tolerated) who is exhibiting signs and symptoms of a respiratory disease.

DE_PPE Recommendations and Request Form

Currently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending the following actions to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other respiratory disease:

Practice social distancing. Try to maintain 5-6 feet between yourself and the patient until the patient dons a surgical facemask (if tolerated).
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using an approved disinfectant.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

By accepting these masks, you hereby acknowledge the following statements:

Per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, users of N95 respirators should undergo fit-testing and receive training on their appropriate use. Improper wearing, donning and doffing of the respirator may expose the user to disease because of the user readjusting and touching the outside surface of the respirator.
N95 respirators have a 5-year shelf life per current NIOSH regulations. The N95 respirators from the State of Delaware Public Health may be outside of the 5-year shelf life and their efficacy cannot be guaranteed.
Agency policies and procedures, as well as the recommendations of the agency’s infection control designated officer, are to be adhered to.

Further, The Division of Public Health has been preparing not only to contain the spread of the disease, should it occur in Delaware, but also to mitigate the impact of the virus if community spread were to occur in our state. You can get additional information in three ways:

Find updates, FAQs and downloadable materials at DPH’s coronavirus webpage: de.gov/coronavirus
Starting this morning, the Division of Public Health opened a public call center at 1-866-408-1899. For now, the call center will be staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and have a recorded message after-hours.
DPH also will receive public email inquiries and questions at dphcall@delaware.gov.

To date, there have been no cases of coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19, reported in Delaware. However, our Public Health officials know this is a rapidly evolving situation worldwide and that recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are subject to frequent change.

LTC Providers are to notify both DPH and DHCQ of any quarantine, for any reason- flu, norovirus, and otherwise by emailing:

Paula.Eggers@state.de.us – Public Health

Barbara.Webb@state.de.us and Robert.Smith@state.de.us at the DHCQ.

–Letter from Yrene E. Waldon, Division Director

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