Effective PPE is a 'complex' intervention. Applying all aspects carefully is of key importance but as this review states, in most clinical circumstances a waterproof surgical mask is enough to provide protection. The key principles are: 

 

1. Risk assess properly and use the appropriate level of PPE

​2. Use buddies to make sure PPE is put on correctly 

​3. Take great care when removing PPE

 

 

​The rates of infections in healthcare workers in Italy may be as high as 8%, much higher than that in China and this is partially thought to be due to ineffective use of PPE from the start of the outbreak.