MDH Posts Updated PPE Grid

Posted on November 3, 2022 by Kari Everson

On Nov. 2, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) updated the personal protective equipment (PPE) grid to reflect the guidance updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What's included in the PPE grid?

This updated PPE grid looks different from the previous versions. The updated version provides several scenarios and what the practices regarding masking, PPE, and testing are related to that scenario.

A notes section also provides any additional information providers may need. For example, the first situation on the grid is working with a resident with a positive COVID-19 test. The columns state the following:

• Resident masking: mask if able when staff or visitors enter the room
• Staff PPE: Full COVID-19 PPE: respirator, eye protection, isolation gown, and gloves
• Testing: Repeat testing is not needed to exit isolation unless a test-based strategy is being used to determine isolation duration for immunocompromised resident
• Notes: covers other information.

Other scenarios include:

• Symptomatic resident with COVID-19 test pending
• Facility in outbreak status
• Facility not in outbreak status
• New admission or readmission to facility or resident with close contact

If you have questions, please contact Kari Everson.