Since the beginning of this pandemic, healthcare professionals around the world have been at the forefront of the outbreak response and are exposed to various risks, from exposure to pathogenic microorganisms, long working hours, fatigue, professional wear and tear, in some cases accompanied by stigma, physical and psychological violence, which is why it is vital to invest in the physical and mental well-being of these public servants and, above all, ensure the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the adequate protection of health professionals in the face of this pandemic includes the mandatory use of long-sleeved gowns, preferably disposable, gloves, surgical masks N95 or similar, use of caps for hair, aprons and protective goggles or a visor and their effectiveness is guaranteed when they are used at the same time. However, at primary care levels, this equipment was never available in sufficient quantity to make it available to all health agents, being purchased almost entirely for secondary, tertiary and quaternary hospitals.
