Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Personal Protective Equipment Preservation Best Practices
FEMA • April 15, 2020
This guidance summarizes best practices for national implementation to sustain personal protective equipment (PPE) while ensuring the protection workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response.
Objective
The objective of the COVID-19 National Strategy for Addressing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Shortage is to
ensure protection against COVID-19 for healthcare workers, first responders, and patients by implementing three
pillars of practice: reduce – reuse – repurpose. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic response and associated PPE
shortages, implementation of contingency and crisis capacity plans may be necessary to ensure continued
availability of protective gear.
This fact sheet amplifies Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strategies on conventional, contingency
and crisis capacity strategies for optimizing PPE. All U.S. healthcare facilities should begin using PPE contingency
strategies now and may need to consider crisis capacity strategies if experiencing PPE shortages.
What Do I Do and How Do I Do it?
- Reduce Usage Rate of PPE by Modifying Normal Operations and Procedures
- Limit the need for PPE by maximizing use of barrier controls whenever possible (e.g. masking patients,
- Plexiglas barriers, car windows and improved ventilation systems).
- Place IV towers and ventilators outside of patient rooms, as clinically appropriate, to enable appropriate monitoring and management without donning of PPE.
- Automate delivery of food and supplies.Use tele-consultation, internet-based interviews, or remote camera-based observation, as available.
- Limit visitor access and offer technology-enabled alternatives (e.g., video chat).
- Understand PPE requirements and burn-rates - cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe- strategy/burncalculator.html
- Consider extending use-times of undamaged, non-visibly soiled PPE beyond single patient contact and other standard practice durations.
- Note: OSHA has relaxed enforcement of annual fit-testing requirements for N-95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) - osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/03142020.
- Reuse PPE by Implementing Optimization, Decontamination, and Reuse Procedures
- Implement strategies to optimize supplies and equipment: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/hcp/ppestrategy/index.html
- Implement expanded facility-based PPE reuse policies and procedures.
- Track “check in” and “check out” of PPE designated for reuse. Each worker is provided specific PPE at the beginning of the shift. At the end of the shift, all PPE is labeled, collected, and stored forreuse (which may entail appropriate decontamination using devices with issued Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
- Implement guidance for decontamination and reuse of FFRs:
- cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/decontamination-reuse-respirators.html
- osha.gov/memos/2020-04-03/enforcement-guidance-respiratory-protection-and-n95- shortagedue-coronavirus
- For large-scale decontamination of N-95 FFRs consider using the following methods:
- Industrial or facility-based vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization systems: fda.gov/media/136529/download
- Industrial or facility-based moist heat disinfection systems (NOT autoclaves)
- Facility-based ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems
- For low-volume or personal decontamination of N-95 FFRs consider using commercially available microwavable moist heat disinfection devices following manufacturer’s instructions (e.g. do not put metal parts in microwaves).
- Repurpose Alternative Types or Sources of PPE
- Use alternative NIOSH-approved respirators in lieu of N-95 FFR for activities for which respiratory protection is required. See fda.gov/media/135763/download. Examples include:
- powered, air-purifying respirators (PAPRs);
- reusable air-purifying respirators (elastomeric half and full facepiece respirators);
- other disposable air-purifying particulate FFRs.
- Contingency - Seek alternative supplies of PPE.
- Encourage community members to donate private stocks of unused/unopened surgical masks, gloves, gowns, and N-95 respirators to your facility.
- Seek PPE and other equipment from dentist offices, veterinarians, individuals, and other sources, including business that are not active.
- Use commercial sources of industrial Tyvek coveralls, face shields, goggles, shoe covers, etc.
- Crisis - Use N-95 FFRs beyond their expirations dates if certain conditions are met
- Crisis - Use FDA authorized imported, non-NIOSH-approved disposable FFRs.
Implementation
Organizations need to assemble a team to carefully review existing Health and Safety Plan (HASP) and Respiratory
Protection Plan (RPP) policies and procedures for opportunities to reduce, reuse, or repurpose and should develop
contingency and crisis operational plans. Such a team might include (where available) environmental health officers,
safety officers, industrial hygienists, logistics officers, infection prevention practitioners, operations chiefs, medical
officers, and work-force representatives.
To ensure uniform application of modified practices, processes and procedures, and, concurrently, the safety of
workers, all workers must be trained in the plans, with recommended elements of such training including:
- The rationale for changes, contingency and crisis standards during COVID-19 related PPEshortages
- New PPE guidance (FDA, CDC, DOJ) related to COVID-19
- Proper methods to conduct new or changed work practices (e.g., staffing, social distancing)
- Methods to install or utilize any barrier controls (e.g. patient masking, Plexiglas shields)
- Proper donning and doffing of PPE to minimize self-infection
- Proper hand hygiene
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is proud to announce the grand opening of its new GoBus Maintenance Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 13, at 2:00 PM. The celebration will take place at the new facility, located directly behind ETCOG’s headquarters at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, and the public is invited to attend. This new $3.3 million facility, funded by the Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation, represents a major step forward for the GoBus program. With two work bays, a dedicated wash bay, training rooms, and expanded fleet parking, the facility will serve as the home base for both GoBus administrative and maintenance teams. “This facility allows us to take a more proactive approach to vehicle maintenance and safety,” said Vince Huerta, ETCOG Transportation Director. “Having the ability to complete repairs in-house means we can get vehicles back on the road faster and continue delivering safe, reliable transportation services.” The GoBus program provides public transit service across ETCOG’s 14-county region. By investing in in-house maintenance, ETCOG will be able to improve efficiency, conduct more thorough inspections, and reduce repair turnaround times—all while keeping service reliable for East Texas riders. Community members, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to join ETCOG staff for the ribbon-cutting and facility tour. The event not only celebrates the opening of a new building but also marks an investment in the future of regional transit and the people who rely on it every day.
Local governments and special districts have been given the opportunity to apply for grant funds from the East Texas Council of Governments, funded by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). To support regional waste minimization efforts in ETCOG’s fourteen (14) county region, ETCOG accepts applications for its annual Municipal Solid Waste grant funds. The approximate expected total amount of funding is $161,705. The grant application period closed on September 29, 2025. Submitted grant applications are available for public and private review from October 2, 2025, to October 15, 2025. For questions or comments, please contact ETCOG's Economic Development Manager, Lisa Smith , by email or calling (903) 218-6467.
ETCOG is pleased to announce its new Chairman, City of Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley, the new Board and Executive Committee Officers serving for FY 2026, and Executive Committee members serving a new two-year term. The ETCOG Board of Directors appoints the Executive Committee, which is responsible for establishing the policies, programs, and services on behalf of the Board for our 14-county region. Board Officers Chairman – City of Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley 1st Vice-Chairman – Camp County Judge AJ Mason 2nd Vice Chairman – Smith County Commissioner Ralph Caraway 3rd Vice Chairman – City of Carthage City Commissioner Tate Barber Secretary/Treasurer – Anderson County Commissioner Rashad Mims “My first experience of working with ETCOG came shortly after hearing Executive Director David Cleveland speak at a regional broadband workshop. The more I worked with David and the ETCOG staff, the more I saw their passion for serving our communities and the critical role Councils of Governments play in the great State of Texas. Our region has only one Council of Governments, and we are blessed that ours is strong and continually working to do more. Each of our Executive Board’s elected officials, representing ETCOG’s 14 counties, is dedicated to continuing to provide innovative solutions and excellent service. As Chairman for the upcoming fiscal year, I look forward to working with the board, the staff, our committees, and the communities we serve to shape our strategic plan. I am looking forward to working with you,” said Mayor Wansley. New Executive Committee Terms Anderson County – Commissioner Rashad Mims Camp County – Judge AJ Mason Harrison County – Commissioner William Hatfield Henderson County – Commissioner Chuck McHam Rusk County – Commissioner Robert Kuykendall Van Zandt County – Judge Andy Reese Wood County – Mayor Randy Dunn New Executive Committee Members *Gregg County Cities – City of Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara *Gregg County Cities has a one-year unexpired term remaining, for which Mayor Ishihara was nominated to fill the seat. "I am grateful for the volunteer service rendered by all of our elected officials and particularly want to thank and congratulate our new Chairman, Mayor James Wansley, and the rest of our ETCOG Officers and Board members for their selfless dedication and service to our region," said ETCOG's Executive Director, David Cleveland. These new officers and board member terms were approved at our September 18 th Board of Directors meeting, where the FY 2026 Budget and Planning Guide totaling $86 M was also approved. The budget is the largest in agency history and represents a balanced budget, with revenue sources matching projected expenditures for all funds. Service program totals are: Area Agency on Aging of East Texas – $4,885,886 Public Safety – $4,363,393 Transportation – $11,745,053 Workforce & Economic Development – $64,503,626 GIS & Regional Technology Solutions – $279,824 General Fund – $275,584 To learn more about the FY 2026 budget and program goals, visit www.etcog.org/financials .
ETCOG Opens Applications for Veteran-Friendly Community Designation
Deadline for applications September 26, 2025
The ETCOG Board of Directors will meet this month to consider the largest budget in agency history! The proposed budget totals $86,053,366, reflecting an overall increase of $642,472 compared to the prior year. Program area revenue totals for the budget this year are: Area Agency on Aging - $4,885,886 Public Safety - $4,363,393 Transportation - $11,745,053 Workforce & Economic Development - $64,503,626 GIS & Regional Technology Solutions - $279,824 General Fund - $275,584 The FY2026 Budget will serve as the financial guide to help each Division meet its respective performance measures and enable ETCOG to continue its efforts to maximize the use of technology to achieve desired service levels, streamline operational processes, safeguard its data investment, and realize our vision and mission. Other business items on the agenda include the chair's report on the year's accomplishments, the election of Executive Committee members and officers, and the presentation of the Chairman's Service Award. The 108th Semi-Annual Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Rusk County Youth Expo Center and Arena in Henderson, Texas. The meeting will begin at 11:45 a.m. We welcome our members and their guests to register to attend at www.etcog.org/open-meetings .
ETCOG is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
$ 161,705.00 Estimated to be Available for FY 2026/2027 East Texas Projects
Pictured left to right: Baylea Evans, GoBus Strategic Development Manager; David Cleveland, ETCOG Executive Director; Lindsay Vanderbilt, Communications Director; Dylan Cook, Communications Specialist; Katey Pilgram, Associate Director of Transportation ETCOG's rural transit system, GoBus , is pleased to be a recipient of the South West Transit Association's (SWTA) Annual Spotlight Awards . The awards celebrate the exceptional efforts and contributions of transit agencies and organizations across the region that have significantly impacted their communities. ETCOG received the Hit The Spot: Social Media Award for rural systems for our campaign, “On the GO with GoBus!” produced to promote service availability in the rural areas surrounding Longview for residents of White Oak, Lakeport, Hallsville, and Gladewater. "We are thrilled to win a Spotlight Award for our social media campaign developed to raise awareness of public transportation options available within the Longview Urbanized Zone, but outside the city limits where city bus service is not available. These communities, though part of the urban area, were without access to reliable transit. Through TxDOT funding and a unique partnership between Longview Transit and GoBus, we were able to extend service to these underserved areas. The campaign focused on educating residents about their new access to affordable, reliable transportation options,” said ETCOG's Communications Director, Lindsay Vanderbilt. Our Associate Director of Transportation, Katey Pilgram, joined other award recipients and marketing experts to share details on their award-winning campaigns and projects at the SWTA Summer University Conference held July 27-30, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The awards – reviewed and judged by marketing and communication professionals at transit agencies and private marketing firms – are among the oldest awards recognizing marketing campaigns and projects in the public transportation industry, first awarded in 1990. SWTA's membership covers Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.