Infection prevention and control guidance
A complete list of infection prevention and control guidance documents can be found here. Select infection prevention and control/WASH documents in the drop-down menu.
Some key documents are listed below:
This document provides updated interim recommendations on the use of masks by health workers providing care to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. This update is prompted by new evidence around mask use and COVID-19 transmission, as well
as the emergence of variants of concern including Omicron.
Prevention, identification and management of health worker infection in the context of COVID-19
This document provides guidance on the prevention, identification and management of health worker infection in the context of COVID-19. It is intended for occupational health departments, infection prevention and control departments or focal points, health facility administrators and public health authorities at both the national and facility level.
Health workers exposure risk assessment and management in the context of COVID-19 virus
This tool is to be completed for all health workers who have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient in a health care facility. It helps determine the risk of COVID-19 virus infection of all health workers who have been exposed to a COVID-19 patient and provides recommendations for appropriate management of these health workers, according to their infection risk.
A Data template and Data dictionary are available to support implementation.
Interim guidance on infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies during health care when coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is suspected or confirmed.
Guidance on preventing the COVID-19-virus from entering the facility and spreading within the facility, and supporting safe conditions for visits.
Home care for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and management of their contacts
Advice on safe and appropriate home care and public health measures related to the management of patient contacts.
Recommendations for the rational use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings and temporary strategies during acute supply shortages. This document also contains an annex describing updated PPE use recommendations for health workers based on the transmission scenario, setting, and activity in the context of COVID-19.
Technical specifications of PPE for COVID-19
Key IPC principles to consider and the precautions to take for safely delivering COVID-19 vaccines.
Cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the context of COVID-19
Guidance on the cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the context of COVID-19.
Water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
Guidance supplementing IPC documents summarizing WHO guidance on water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and waste management relevant to viruses, including coronaviruses. It is intended for water and sanitation practitioners and providers, and healthcare providers who want to know more about WASH and waste risks and practices in relation to COVID-19.