This guidance outlines the infection prevention and control advice for health and social care providers involved in receiving, assessing and caring for patients who are a possible or confirmed case of COVID-19 . It should be used in conjunction with local policies.

The IPC principles in this document apply to all health and care settings, including acute, diagnostics, independent sector, mental health and learning disabilities, primary care, care homes, maternity and paediatrics. This list is not exhaustive.

Please note, this guidance does not apply to adult social care settings in England. Adult social care providers in England should refer to existing guidance. The Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) and Public Health England ( PHE ) will continuously review this guidance and update as needed.

This IPC guidance will be updated in line with service need and as the evidence evolves. The administrative measures outlined in the guidance are consistent with World Health Organization (WHO) guidance.

The guidance is issued jointly by DHSC , Public Health Wales (PHW), Public Health Agency (PHA) Northern Ireland, Health Protection Scotland (HPS), Public Health England and NHS England as official guidance.

While this guidance seeks to ensure a consistent and resilient UK wide approach, some differences in operational details and organisational responsibilities may apply in Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland.

Refer to personal protective equipment use for aerosol generating procedures.

Refer to personal protective equipment use for non-aerosol generating procedures.

Please note that this guidance is of a general nature and that an employer should consider the specific conditions of each individual place of work and comply with all applicable legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.