Facemasks and heat - guidance in England

UKHSA have issued interim guidance allowing a degree of dynamic risk assessment around mask wearing in extreme hot weather. 

The guidance is available here.

The guidance distinguishes between when masks are being worn as 'source control' to prevent the unintentional spread of COVID-19 and when they are worn as PPE -  to protect the wearer from COVID-19 or from the splashing of bodily fluids, for example. It says:

• Universal masking (for source control) is still recommended but when extreme heat makes this intolerable (due to heat stress), staff and visitors should prioritise wearing a mask for source control when within 1m of a resident at higher risk of severe COVID-19
• Personal Protective Equipment (for staff protection, not source control) such as aprons, gloves and a facemask should be worn as per current guidance COVID-19 supplement to the infection prevention and control resource for adult social care - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

They also have advised:

Regarding PPE, please note that staff may need to need to change their face masks more frequently than normal due to sweat and the need to take more frequent breaks to drink. This should be supported and if there are any concerns regarding stock, providers should contact the PPE Portal customer service team on 0800 876 6802.