N95 masks are recommended for clinicians to use whenever they feel at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
Fit testing is recommended by health and safety regulators when a new brand of mask is used, and annually for all clinicians using N95 masks.
We've included a seal testing video to watch from YouTube for your reference.
See contact details below for advice about N95 fit testing.
It is expected most people will successfully fit the 3M 9320A+ Aura particulate respirator, however some will require different masks that provide a better fit.
The central supply of PPE is changing, for details see the Te Whatu Ora website.
If you have any questions about PPE contingency stock or about your PPE requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact:
COVID.HealthSupplyChain@health.govt.nz.
Fit testing kits are available to loan on a short term basis from Midlands Health Network in support of the N95 mask use.
We are pleased to now offer these kits for free to practices as a Pinnacle member benefit.
Instructions for return and cleaning of the kits is included in the fit kit box.
To access a loan kit please email Shannon Poupard-Rupapera, contact details below, and include the following details:
Shannon Poupard-Rupapera, Practice Support Administrator
shannon.poupard-rupapera@pinnacle.health.nz
027 240 0956
The space where you assess people with potential COVID-19 or other airborne diseases like measles should be well ventilated – this may be as simple as having an open window and a floor fan. The WHO recommend “a pedestal fan facing towards the window (ie. facing outside) serves to pull the room and exhaust air to the outside; a fan facing towards the interior of the room (ie. facing inside) serves to pull in the outdoor air and push it inside the room.”