Here's yesterday's updated standard of care language in regional guidance. Recall that a standard of care also protects providers and facilities from liability

Here's yesterday's updated standard of care language in regional guidance. Recall that a standard of care also protects providers and facilities from liability. By relaxing it, both are less liable for things that may still be risks. Looks like the language makes it clear the goal here is to preserve the supply of masks: The safety of healthcare workers is a top priority for the Health Department. As we gain more understanding of COVID-19, our guidance will evolve. The use of standard, contact, and droplet precautions with eye protection is appropriate when caring for patients with possible or confirmed COVID-19. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should include: facemask (procedure or surgical mask) AND gown AND gloves AND eye protection (goggles or face shield). The Health Department recommends healthcare workers do not need to use a fit tested N95 respirator or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) for routine (non-aerosol generating) care of a COVID-19 patient. Patients can be evaluated in a private examination room with the door closed. Supplies of PPE must be reserved for high risk procedures due to potential supply chain constraints. Ample studies indicate the safety of droplet precautions which may also help prevent the complete exhaustion of fit tested N95 respirators and PAPRs; higher level PPE will continue to be needed to protect HCWs during critical and medically necessary aerosol generating procedures (e.g., intubation, suctioning) throughout the course of this outbreak. Placing the patient in an AIIR and the use of a fit tested N95 respirator or PAPR is still recommended for aerosol-generating procedures (e.g., intubation, suctioning, nebulizer therapy) and when caring for patients with severe illness requiring intensive care.