Higher Mask Standard: FFP2

 

I have upgraded from the Type IIR surgical mask I was wearing previously, to a better fitting and higher filtration Cambridge Mask Company 'ventilator' or 'filtering face piece' (FFP) mask. This is also reusable for up to 340 hours, so avoids the plastic pollution involved in single use masking. 

The filter technology is designed by the British Ministry of Defence,  filtering out nearly 100% of all harmful air pollutants, gases, allergens, smog, and pollen; 99.7% of bacteria and 99.6% of all viruses - including Sars-Cov-2, the virus which causes Covid-19. 

The 'FFP2' standard is equivalent to the N95 standard used in the USA. 

As this is much better protection for me from aerosol transmission, particularly in combination with clients wearing face coverings as well, I am now able to spend more time on close up work around the neck and shoulders.   

Available Cambridge Mask Company

Phase 4 - What Covid-19 Measures have Changed? What Is Still in Place?

England moved into Phase 4 on 19th July. 

Thank you to all my clients over the last few weeks who I have consulted on possible changes. 😀

I am aware that the vaccination programme has greatly weakened the link between infection and hospitalisation and death and that the government has reduced requirements on that basis. However I am also aware that:
- only 52% of the population is vaccinated
- we have the highest rate of infection in the world
- I have Clinically Vulnerable and Extremely Clinically Vulnerable clients that are very concerned for their risk
- there is no evidence that vaccination reduces the risk of disability from Long Covid

Guidance from the government is here. Further guidance support from my Professional Association, the APNT is on Facebook here and on their website here. 

"While England moves to step 4 of Covid-19 restrictions from 19 July that removes the mandatory wearing of face-coverings and social distancing, therapists are reminded that, as they work in a close contact setting, there is a higher risk of viral transmission. Therefore, the APNT does recommend the continued wearing of face-coverings for all clients and therapists and asks that you seriously consider the continued use of type II masks and eye protection as the alternative to a face-covering, particularly when treating the high-risk zone." - APNT. 

Read on for details of what has changed and what has remained unchanged in my infection control measures.