Table 2.

Summary of personal protective equipment for influenza pandemic patients in health‐care settings ⁴²

	Entering patient room but no close patient contact	Close patient contact (<1 m)	Aerosol generating procedure being performed
P2 mask	No	Yes	Yes, or PAPR
Surgical mask	Yes	Only if P2 unavailable	NA
Gown	No†	Yes	Yes
Gloves	No†	Yes	Yes
Eyewear	No	Yes, if body fluid exposure anticipated	Yes
Cap	No	No	Yes
Apron	No	Yes, if splashing possible and impermeable gown not available	Yes, if impermeable gown not available

^† Note: Any cleaners who have to enter the room of an infectious patient should wear a gown and gloves, in addition to a surgical mask. This is because cleaning activities are likely to bring their hands and clothes into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. They should also be advised to maintain a distance of at least 1 m from the patient if possible. NA, not applicable; PAPR, powered air purifying respirator.