Care New England plans for sterilization of masks

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, PPE supplies remain in question.

As time progresses, alternatives to restocking the supply of masks is being implemented. Many hospitals are looking into decontaminating masks by sanitizing and reusing them.

Robin Neale, Director of Clinical Effectiveness and Infection for Care New England said in a statement,

“Care New England is preparing for decontamination and reuse of N95s, in accordance with CDC guidance for decontamination and reuse of respirators, FDA guidance for emergency use sterilization systems to reprocess N95 respirators, and sterilizer manufacturer instructions for use for reprocessing N95 masks. Reprocessing will only be implemented if supplies of N95s exceed anticipated demand.”

Hospitals remain hopeful that PPE supply will exceed demand, but are thankful for alternative ways to reuse equipment if need be.