Use of N95, Surgical, and Cloth Masks to Prevent COVID-19 in Health Care and Community Settings: Living Practice Points From the American College of Physicians (Version 1)

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreads among persons in close proximity through droplets, although evidence is still emerging regarding potential airborne transmission. Reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care and community settings is a major priority, especially in the absence of an effective vaccine or treatment. The use of respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE) may decrease the risk for respiratory infection, although controversy exists around the appropriate types of masks and the situations in which they should be used in community and health care settings for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The following practice points (Table 1) are intended for clinicians, patients, and the public. Data on SARS-CoV-2 are limited. These practice points are based on the best available evidence on the effectiveness of N95 respirators, surgical masks, and cloth masks in reducing transmission of infection with SARS-CoV-1, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and influenza-like or other respiratory viruses in community and health care settings. Evidence about reuse or extended use of N95 respirators in health care settings was also considered.