The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) and the Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CH IPCM) have been updated to reflect the Scottish Government DL (2023) 11.

This DL outlines that the Scottish Government’s ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): use of face coverings in social care settings including adult care homes’ guidance and the ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): extended use of face masks and face coverings in hospitals, primary care and community healthcare settings’ guidance has now been withdrawn.

Health and care staff should follow the guidance contained in both the NIPCM and CH IPCM. This reflects a return to pre-pandemic IPC practices.

Reference to extended use of fluid-resistant surgical face masks and sessional face mask use has been removed from the NIPCM and CH IPCM. Please note that the decision to undertake a personal PPE risk assessment for Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) remains within the NIPCM and CH IPCM.

The following sections within the NIPCM and CH IPCM have been updated to reflect the above changes:

• Chapter and Sections: 1.4, 2.4 and 3.7 (NIPCM)
• Chapter 1, Section 4 (CH IPCM)
• Appendix 16
• Appendix 21

Please also note that where we refer to ‘extended use’ in the context of length of wear-time, this has been changed to ‘prolonged’ use, to avoid any confusion with existing terminologies.