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Withdrawal of UKHSA infection prevention and control measures in England

1 June 2022

Withdrawal of UKHSA infection prevention and control measures in England

As part of the College’s move to Green Phase, we have already advised that some COVID-19 IPC measure can be stopped. This latest UKHSA update recommends that the following COVID-19 IPC measure can also be stopped:

  • Universal masking

This means asymptomatic non-clinical staff, patients and visitors are no longer required to wear a face covering when in the practice. In domiciliary settings, clinicians should continue to wear a face mask when visiting patients’ homes and care settings in all four nations.

Optometrists should continue to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask (FRSM) in situations set out in Guidance for Professional Practice (GfPP) section B39:

  1. Performing procedures when in close proximity to the patient
  2. You consider there is a risk of respiratory infection
  3. There is a public health requirement to wear one, such as during a pandemic, unless the mask type specified by the relevant national or local public health guidance recommends an alternative specification and level of protection.

However, you may choose to continue implementing universal masking based on local COVID-19 case prevalence and/or if your practice-based risk assessment deems it a necessary intervention to protect against droplet and airborne transmission and reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. When patients have symptoms of respiratory infection and require face-to-face eye care, appropriate transmission-based precautions should be applied, which may include face coverings.

For the full details, please visit the College website>>>>>

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