No abstract

Introduction Hospital-acquired infection with COVID-19 (HAI) has reduced from 14.3% to 4.2% over the last year, but substantial differences still exist between English NHS trusts. Methods We assessed rates of HAI, comparing trusts using airborne respiratory protection (RPE, eg FFP3 masks) for all staff, as a marker of measures to reduce airborne spread, against those using mostly droplet precautions (eg surgical masks). Results/Discussion RPE use was associated with a 33% reduction in HAI odds in the Delta wave, and 21% in the Alpha wave (p<0.00001). We recommend all hospitals make airborne mitigations a priority.

Revised NHS guidance has relaxed infection prevention and control (IPC) requirements for hospitals and GP practices. These authors question why airborne transmission is not more clearly acknowledged and why healthcare workers still do not have access to appropriate personal protective equipment

This a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary.