The coronavirus and fit testing respirators for healthcare workers

The recent outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a reason for concern around the world. Since spreading beyond its origin point in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a global health emergency.

As the virus is an airborne inhalation hazard, respiratory protection from properly fit tested filtering facepieces (such as NIOSH-certified N95s) and other respirators may help prevent the spread of illness. TSI’s PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester verifies that respirators, like the N95 filtering facepieces used in healthcare settings, properly fit and provide the protection expected.

If you have questions about quantitative respirator fit testing, we can help. Contact us at answers@tsi.com.

Links on coronavirus 2019-nCoV

World Health Organization

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

CDC

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html

OSHA

• https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/novel_coronavirus/

TSI Links

• Why Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing Beats Qualitative (PDF)
• Why Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing Beats Qualitative (web)