Next Steps in Infection Prevention and Control
Update on the latest IPC guidance for primary care.
What's changed/been updated
- Guidance: Infection prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections in health and care settings (including SARS-CoV-2) for winter 2021 to 2022 has now been withdrawn and archived
- New publication: COVID-19 is a notifiable disease
- Changes to requirements to wear face masks (slide 4) – removal of masks for non clinical staff and non COVID-19/respiratory consultations
- No social distancing is required in waiting areas although those with active respiratory symptoms should wear a face mask
Patients with respiratory symptoms should be triaged to establish the risk of COVID-19 or other respiratory infections. Anyone assessed to be a respiratory infection risk should be managed with consideration to either:
- A separate waiting area where achievable (patients do not require a separate entrance/exit or consulting room)
- OR
- Provided with a face mask to wear in a communal waiting area
Patients with respiratory symptoms where a fever is present (>37.8C) or have an active cough should be prioritised for an isolation room whilst waiting or triaged for home visit.