Health authorities in the United States have issued new protocols for hospital workers treating patients confirmed with Ebola.

The new protocol included wearing special masks, full face shields, double sets of gloves and disposable hoods. The new guidelines were issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday night, reported USA Today.

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The new rules were directed towards the protective gear of hospital workers. Specific instructions were handed down about wearing face masks, gloves and gowns including the proper way of wearing and taking them off.

The issuance of the new guidelines came after nurses and other health professionals became concerned about their welfare in treating patients who are suspected or confirmed as having Ebola. Complaints were issued by nurses who looked after the late Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan saying they were sent to his room with their necks unprotected.

Two nurses who looked after Duncan caught the virus and are now hospitalized.

Michael Osterholm, an expert in infectious disease, commended CDC for implementing the new protocols. Osterholm said the health authority has taken the advice of occupational safety experts and medical workers in implementing heightened precautionary measures.

The new guidelines issued by CDC are likened to those issued by Doctors Without Borders, known for its Ebola treatment policies worldwide. The group has been working in West Africa since March to combat Ebola. With 3,000 workers helping Doctors Without Borders, 21 got infected, said the group’s spokesman Tim Shenk.

CDC would assign a trained monitor to carefully watch as health workers wear protective equipment and take them off properly after using.

CDC director Thomas Frieden said health workers should be rigorously trained in wearing and taking off their protective gear in an orderly manner. This would help reduce possible risks and infection. He also added that no skin should be exposed.

TagsCDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Africa, Dr. Thomas Frieden, Tim Shenk, doctors without borders, Thomas Eric Duncan